Chapter 18
The glow of the underworld's eternal fires cast long, wavering shadows on the polished black stone of Fred's private chamber. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders, even after John left. Their conversation had gone well, but Fred still felt the ache of uncertainty clinging to his chest. Entrusting John with watching over Nosi and Vincent while he was away was no small decision, but John had proven his loyalty more than once.
Fred walked to the wide stone balcony overlooking the molten horizon. From here, the underworld looked endless—a world shaped by power, ruled by fear, but now slowly changing. Because of her. Because of Nosi.
He closed his eyes, allowing the familiar tug of the mind link to reach out. "Vincent."
A moment later, the air shimmered in front of him, twisting and folding in on itself. Then, with a burst of smoke and glowing embers, Vincent appeared, tall and lean, his midnight-black eyes sharp and alert.
"You called?" Vincent's voice was casual, but his eyes searched Fred's face.
Fred turned from the balcony, arms crossed. "We're leaving soon. I told John. He agreed to look after Nosi while we're gone."
Vincent gave a brief nod. "John's capable. He won't let anything happen."
"Still," Fred said, walking past him and pouring two cups of the underworld's smoky brew, "I don't trust this peace to last. Not with George and Clara still out there, waiting."
Vincent accepted the cup silently.
Fred leaned against the wall. "This meeting with the high-ranking demon lords on Earth... it's more than a business trip. It's a test. We need allies who are loyal, not just to me but to the future I'm trying to build."
Vincent sipped. "You mean the future you're building with Nosi."
Fred's jaw tightened, then relaxed. "Yes. Her presence changes everything. She's not just my mate. She's the link between this realm and the human world."
Vincent's expression shifted slightly. "That... brings me to something I've been meaning to ask."
Fred raised an eyebrow. "Ivan."
Vincent sighed, rubbing a hand through his thick dark hair. "I haven't told her."
"Why not?" Fred asked, setting his cup down. "She's your mate. You felt it."
"She's human," Vincent said simply, as if the words were answer enough. "She doesn't know what that means. She barely knows who I am. The bond... it would overwhelm her."
Fred studied his friend quietly. "She muttered in her sleep, didn't she? Something about you being cold and dangerous."
Vincent's shoulders tensed. "Yes. I heard it."
"So you're afraid," Fred said. Not mocking—just stating a fact.
Vincent didn't deny it. "I'm not like you. I don't have your control. If I told her, and she rejected the bond, the backlash could destroy her. Or me."
Fred walked forward and put a hand on Vincent's shoulder. "You underestimate her. Humans are fragile, yes. But some are strong enough to face the truth. You just need to give her a reason to trust you first."
Vincent looked away, frustration etched into his sharp features. "She's different, Fred. I've had lovers. I've had obsessions. This... is nothing like that. When I'm near her, I feel calm and chaos at once."
Fred smiled faintly. "Then that's how you know it's real."
They stood in silence for a while, the heavy air between them filled with old memories, uncertainties, and the slow hum of ancient power that surrounded everything in the underworld.
Fred finally broke the silence. "This journey isn't just about politics. It's about preparing for war, Vincent. We need allies, real ones. We need resources."
Vincent nodded. "I'll be ready."
"And if anything happens while we're gone—"
"John will protect Nosi. And Ivan," Vincent added firmly. "I won't let anything happen to either of them."
Fred glanced back toward the horizon, eyes narrowing. "Good. Because once this meeting is over, we'll have to move fast. George and Clara won't wait forever."
Vincent stepped beside him, their gazes locked on the same burning sky.
"Then we finish what they started," Vincent said. "And we build something better."
Fred nodded. "Together."
As the fires of the underworld roared in the distance, two warriors—bound by blood, fate, and an unshakable bond—prepared for a journey that would determine the future of two worlds. Neither knew what awaited them beyond the veil of flame and shadow. But one thing was certain:
They would face it side by side.