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

Using the wooded area for cover, Erebus drew a large rune to hide their presence and muffle their sounds. Once the area was secured, he and Fenrir opened their portals to the Spirit Realm, where they were greeted by the Kings of the realm. Without a word, the Kings opened their own portals, revealing the vast army awaiting Erebus' command.

One by one, the warriors of Shadowbane stepped forward and fell into formation. Clad in armor and swords, their eyes were brimming with anticipation.

Halcyon, Leonis, and the captains were among the first to step through. Halcyon immediately saw Erebus and wrapped his arms around him.

"Thank the Deities, you're safe," he whispered. "When you disappeared..."

Erebus glanced over Halcyon's shoulder and saw Leonis smothering Leo as well. "We made it out in one piece," Erebus said.

But Leo scoffed. "One piece, sure."

Erebus shot him a playful glare. "No limbs missing."

They both pulled away and clasped hands with the captains.

"What in the hells is happening?" Nash asked. "Fenrir suddenly came and said you and Leo were stirring up shit and to get ready for war."

Erebus and Leo exchanged a glance and chuckled. "That's about right," Leo said.

"Jericho's gone mad and is destroying his city. We need to break up his army and push them out of the city," Erebus said. "We have 1,500 enemies, organized and primed for battle. However, their faith in Jericho seems to be—"

He stopped speaking when he noticed a group of people approaching. He and the others readied their weapons, but he relaxed when he recognized their auras.

"At ease, soldiers," he commanded. "They are allies."

Lord Eld and the core group of the rebellion emerged from the treeline.

Erebus nodded toward them. "Lord Eld," he greeted.

The captains stared. "Lord Eld?" they asked.

"The same Lord Eld who..." Comet started, but his words trailed off.

"The same," Erebus answered with a smile. They had all learned about Lord Eld through the illusions in the Udaen caverns.

"Wait... Zeno?" Halcyon asked, turning toward Erebus. "From the Themis crypts?"

"The same," Lord Eld said with a smile.

Halcyon's jaw clenched. "You were an old man before."

Lord Eld chuckled. "Believe me, I went through this song and dance with Erebus and Leo. I'm trustworthy."

"And what do you think Tartus Themis will do if he sees you?" Halcyon asked wryly.

Erebus coughed lightly, shifting on his feet. "Ah... well, he might be a little too dead to do anything."

Halcyon whipped his head around, his gaze locking onto Erebus. "Dead?"

Erebus shrugged awkwardly, avoiding Halcyon's eyes. "I know you had a grudge against him too, and maybe you wanted to kill him yourself, but... the opportunity presented itself." He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I killed him... in front of Mother's statue."

For a moment, Halcyon was silent. Then, without warning, he stepped forward and pulled Erebus into a firm embrace. "You did well," he said quietly. "At last, the bastard who plagued us is gone."

Erebus exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief washing over him. He returned the hug with a small, sheepish grin. "I was half-expecting you to be upset I stole your kill."