The grey dragon that appeared in front of Alastor, and Abel let out a roar that shook the whole library.

Mother was a grey dragon that protected the Ancient Library from outside threats, and mortals that try to tamper with the books. The books themselves hold all of history, and are constantly being updated to keep up with the changing times.

Although Mother was trying to intimidate Alastor, it fell short in it’s goal.“Enough with the theatrics. We’re here to discuss the king of Hell.” Alastor didn’t mince his words.

Abel could sense the rising tension between the two, and tried to calm the situation. “Mother, we have to talk about this. The king is a serious threat.”

Mother let out a laugh. “You do know the new King is a joke right? He doesn’t stand a chance against either of you.”

“That would usually be true but we sacrificed more of our power to the prism.” stated Alastor

Mother growled, “How many times have I told you not to mess with that accursed object. You do know how dangerous it would be if a mortal were to get their hands on it.”

“Getting back on topic, I’m not worried about the king. I’m worried about the Seven Princes of Hell,” stated Alastor.

Mother felt a shiver crawl up her spine. “As in Kimber’s children.”

“Yup.”

“I never knew what Kimber was thinking when she adopted those children, but when it came out she was letting them rule hell, that’s when I knew she was an idiot.”

Abel felt a shiver crawl up his spine, and looked at Alastor who had his dragon eyes out.

Mother fell to the floor with a mysterious pressure keeping her pinned to the floor.

Alastor walked over to Mother with an intimidating aura that scared her and shook the endless library.

Alastor picked up Mother’s head and looked her in the eyes. “You ever say something like that about my daughter again and I’ll chop you up and feed you to the prism. Do you understand me, you stupid lizard.”

His words were calm but clear which scared Mother even more. “It won’t happen again.”

Alastor turned around and his way back to Abel. “I knew there was no point to this meeting. I’ll meet you back in the realm of the dead.”

Alastor disappeared leaving Abel with Mother.

“Why didn’t you stop him?” Mother asked in a sad tone.

“You should’ve known not to talk about Kimber like that. If it was my daughter, I would have done the same.”

“One of these days I’m going to beat some sense into him.” Mother reverted back to her usual playful self.

“So, how’s Brother?”

“He’s doing good, but he’s growing up fast. He’s trying to get ahead of himself when he should slow down.”

Abel walked up to Mother and gently patted her head. “You know, it’s always nice to see you.”

“I wish you could visit more often. This role is so boring. No one even knows about this place anymore.”

“I know, but someone has to protect it, and I know you do care about mortals and their history. You could get into reading some of their stories to pass the time. If you want you could read mine.”

“But isn’t reading about people’s lives an invasion of their privacy?”

“Or you can finally start bonding with Brother.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Mother turned her head. “Never in a million years will I do that.”

“I know you’re too young to understand, but eventually you’ll learn the importance of having someone to lean on. After all you were born around the same time, which will make everything more relatable for you guys.”

“I know you’re right, but it’s easier said then done.”

Abel stretched. “As long as you try, that’s all that matters.”

The two spent what felt like hours talking and bonding, after a while, Abel looked up at the celestial clock and decided it was time to head back.

They give their farewells and Abel disappeared.

Abel appeared in front of his castle and walked up the stairs. Once he got inside he saw a familiar coat on the rack.

Immediate alarm bells went off as he made his way into the dining room.

When he walked into the dining room he saw a regal looking girl with black hair talking with the group. Behind the mysterious woman was two guards wearing armor with a familiar crest engraved throughout.

“Where’s Alastor?” Abel asked.

“I thought he was with you,” the woman answered.

Everyone in the group looked happy and content except Lillia who had heard the woman’s name before and knew what it meant.

“Abel. You didn’t tell us you had a visitor coming over.” Lilith said with smile. “Laura was telling us about the fun you, and Alastor used to have.”

Abel could feel his heart skip a beat.

In front of Alastor stood a rustic gate being held shut by jagged and rusty chains. Alastor lay his hand on the gate, blowing it off it’s hinges.

Alastor walked through the new opening into hell, snapping his fingers once inside. The gate immediately starting shaking violently then flew back onto it’s hinges, and shut itself close.

Alastor looked at the seemingly endless burning valley that surrounded pits of fire and dead bodies, causing the sky to look crimson and foggy. In the distance was an incredible castle that was at the top of a giant mountain.

His wings unfurled and he took flight towards the kings castle at an incredible rate. The castles features became more visible the closer he got. The castle’s design was ancient and a long forgotten type of architecture.

The front gates of the castle creaked open as Alastor got closer.

The castle interior was dimly lit with candles that led to the King’s chamber. Alastor walked down the empty walls looking at the broken furniture wondering what happened to this once lively palace.

The smell of death grew stronger as he kept walking.

Alastor eventually reached the main chamber and pushed it open, inside was the King sat in his throne waiting for Alastor’s arrival.

“To what do I owe this visit?” the King had a wicked smile plastered across his burned face.

“Where are the Princes, Malik.”

“Don’t worry about them, when I’m right in front of you.”

“Where are they,” Alastor repeated.

Malik stood up and made his way to Alastor. “You’re going to have to force it out of me.”

Alastor turned around and started making his way out of the castle.

Two guards appeared, blocking the exit with their weapons.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“So what brings you here, Laura,” Abel asked, suspiciously.

“Malik.”

Abel summoned his scythe and attacked the guards.

The closest guard blocked the attack with his arm.

“So, you noticed.” The armor fell into pieces and Seven men appeared in front of Abel.

Laura took this opportunity to join the others. “Stand behind me.”

“You guys are fools. Laura would never show up unannounced, much less with guards. You’re going to pay heavily for trying to use my niece as a pawn.” stated Abel

“You’re niece? You guys aren’t even related. She’s Alastor’s brat.” said Lucifer

Lucifer was a tall cocky man who wore a trench coat with a seven sided star on the back.

Despite their difference in height, Abel stepped up to Lucifer. “Say that again.”

“She’s a bra-” Lucifer couldn’t finish his sentence because Abel punched him in the gut, sending him flying out of the castle.

Abel appeared outside, and punched Lucifer into the ground. “Continue that sentence.”

Lucifer smiled and disappeared into a fog, reappearing in front of Abel.

“You can’t dream of defeating us old man. Did you not forget who taught us how to fight?”

The other princes surrounded Abel with the group in their clutches.

“Abel, help,” Leon pleaded.

“Let them go.”

“Make us,” Lucifer said in a cocky attitude.

Abel clutched his fist causing the ground underneath to erupt and bind the princes in their place.

In the brief confusion Laura teleported the group back inside the castle.

Lucifer let out a laugh and the princes easily broke out of their restraints.

“You can’t stop us,” taunted Lucifer.

Abel whispered a word causing all of the princes to fall to their knees.

“What is this?” Lucifer asked

“I activated this world’s defenses. Anyone who is not allowed here has their life force stolen from them, trapping them here, and making them my eternal slaves.”

Lucifer let out a laugh. “Nice trick. But it doesn’t matter, we have Alastor in our clutches. We were here for him originally but it seems he has made his way into hell.”

The princes of hell suddenly faded away leaving a haunting laugh.

Abel clutched his fist. “Damn them.”

“What happened.” Lillia appeared behind Abel out of breath.

“Alastor is in Hell. I’m going to go save him right now.”

“You’re going to hell too?”

“I have to.”

Abel disappeared before Lillia could object.

The rest of the group followed suit. “What happened?” Laura demanded.

“Abel’s going to Hell.”

“Then we have no time to waste. Gather your things, We’re going to Hell.” Laura stated.

“Understood.” Exclaimed the group.