Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 2) [MxM]

25. Returning to New Azor

"You really knew my ancestors?" Comet, the beastman Moon Panther, asked eagerly.

"I did," Erebus confirmed.

Comet shifted uncomfortably in his saddle. He had believed his ancestors had abandoned the Demon Sovereign, and Erebus had tried to reassure him before his identity was revealed. "And you're sure you don't hold a grudge?"

Erebus slowed Skadi to ride alongside Comet and squeezed his arm reassuringly. "I thought I had led the Moon Panthers to extinction. I mourned their loss. Knowing that they survived—that you survived—is a blessing."

After noticing Comet's mounting emotions, Nash stepped in to ease the tension. "Is Fenrir really the same Amarok Wolf from the legends?"

Erebus laughed. "Yes. The Aether didn't want that bastard either."

"Does anyone else know you've come back? The King or Halcyon?" He asked.

Erebus shook his head. "Leo was the first person I've told. But there are several ancient creatures in the Spirit Realm who are aware of my return."

Heath's wide and curious eyes betrayed the innocence that belied his intimidating stature. "Would you have told us eventually?" he asked, his voice gentle yet earnest. Despite his imposing presence, moments like these revealed his softer side. Erebus hoped his kind soul would not be marred by their destined wars.

"I would have," Erebus reassured him.

The captains nodded in understanding, though Erebus' expression darkened with concern. "Lychgate knew who I was, too."

At his words, a wave of panic swept over the group. The memory of their encounter with Lychgate was still vivid, and the mention of it stirred their unease. Erebus quickly raised a hand to calm them.

"Hold on," Erebus urged. "I'm sure Lychgate's knowledge won't pose an immediate threat. Let's focus on our current mission and leave the past where it belongs."

Nash turned frightfully pale. "Lychgate? The insane Devil? The bastard who seems to have contacts here?"

"Has he told anyone?" Claire asked, her eyes reflecting the same worry as Nash's.

Erebus sighed. "Lychgate is an old Devil—an apprentice of Mad Blasphemy. I encountered him as the Demon Sovereign when he was just a whelp. When I killed Aboros and destroyed Mad Blasphemy's lab, I spared him."

"A Devil?" Nash asked in surprise. "You spared a Devil?"

"A child," Erebus corrected. "I've killed plenty of creatures, but I always avoided taking a child's life. It doesn't matter their race or origin... the world is already too unforgiving for the young. I refuse to add to that cruelty."

He had seen too much suffering inflicted upon the young. He remembered his days as a beggar in the streets of Riveport, where he heard the sneers when people learned that children were trapped in a burning warehouse. He saw how easily forgettable Tara and those kids were. He relived it once again when he inherited Eri's memories. The world was merciless to children.

Despite the outcome, he was glad he had not been heartless enough to kill Lychgate when he was a child. What was the point of fighting for the realms if it meant killing indiscriminately?

"How did he recognize you?" Nash asked. "I admit, you look similar to your past self, but there are still differences."

Erebus sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "My aura... Aura never lies."

"Can Jericho or Kore recognize it, too? Hells, maybe Lychgate has already passed on the message."

"I spent years searching for Lychgate after our last encounter, but he vanished—as if Undandfold swallowed him whole... or spat him out. I searched primarily because of his heinous deeds, but I was also worried he might reveal my true identity," Erebus explained. "But he never reappeared, and no one ever confronted me. I'm certain if Jericho knew, he would find me and tear me to shreds before I had a chance to grow stronger."