Damien paced irritably in his shadowy sanctum, tail lashing. Everything had been proceeding perfectly to plan until that meddlesome human Wolfe ruined it all.
"Insolent mortal scum!" Damien growled, clenching his clawed fists. First he had undermined Damien's pawn Thompson's control over the portal regulators. Then the wretched man led the raid that captured Lord Vex before he could bring his apocalyptic plans to fruition.
A scraping sound at the entrance made Damien whirl, eyes flashing red. A misshapen goblin minion cowered in the entryway.
"C-forgive the intrusion, Master," it stammered. "But Lord Vex demands an update on thy efforts to free him from the mortal prison."
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Damien bared his fangs. "Does he now? Tell your master that I take orders from no one."
The goblin trembled. "But without Lord Vex to lead the demon forces..."
"Enough!" Damien roared, lashing the air with telekinetic force. The hapless minion slammed into the far wall with a squeal. It scrambled away as fast as its stunted legs could carry it.
Damien resumed pacing, mind racing. That impetuous fool Vex had been short-sighted, grabbing power so brazenly. Now Damien had to subtly maneuver the humans into releasing Vex before the demon council began questioning Damien's own influence.
"Perhaps another 'anonymous' tip to that tenacious reporter..." Damien mused. Or he could leverage the mortal Bates' greed, promising riches in exchange for swaying the portal authorities.
Meddling with humans was distasteful but necessary for now. Once Vex was freed, they could proceed with the true demonic machinations.
Damien allowed himself a cold smile. The rebellious mortal Wolfe would learn his place soon enough. And Vex, too, if he failed to show the proper deference when their goals aligned once more.
For now, Damien would play the patient spider, spinning invisible webs and subtly guiding prey to the desired ends. The time of open war would come. But cunning best served the long game. No matter the cost, the mortals' world would kneel before his vision.