The Demon’s Reckoning

Extinction Isn’t The Goal. It’s The Starting Point.

“The Lightbringer insulted us by keeping us caged for centuries. His death alone won’t suffice. The death of his people won’t be enough. Killing the humans is just the beginning. The Lightbringer’s failure must be absolute. I intend to extinguish all life. Everywhere.”

Thezgoron’s corpulent eyes widened. Realization dawned. “The human prophets believe the Lightbringer will drive back the darkness when that time comes.”

“Fantasies to help them sleep. Besides, how will he save them if he’s already dead? My plans are already in motion.” Astaroth looked beyond the crystal housing. The fae had regrouped, preparing another charge. Behind him, the portal weakened. With or without Thezgoron’s ichor, he would need to leave soon. “I can free you… if you give me some of your blood.”

Nearly eight hundred fae soldiers closed in. Commanders shouted orders. Archers gathered behind a wall of kite shields, readying to fire. Thezgoron ignored them. Astaroth glanced toward the battle formations, distracted.

“Allow me, brother,” Thezgoron said, noting the distraction. He opened his mouth wide enough to swallow a man whole. As his lips parted, his black tongue unfurled, revealing a gaping maw that seemed to go on forever. From the depths of his body, Thezgoron roared. The reverberations bounced through his prison, amplified by its structure. It exploded from the thin crack like a cannon blast. The blare was so loud that even Astaroth had to cover his ears. The ear-splitting cacophony forced the fae soldiers to cup their hands over the sides of their heads, to little avail. The fae screamed. Blood poured from their ears as they fell to their knees. In moments, hundreds were dead. The roar faded. Thezgoron closed his mouth with a satisfied smile. “Much better. Now we won’t be distracted.”