The past pt. 3

The figure became more visible as he walked towards the gang, the spark Lillith ignited casting a long shadow of his over the inner walls of the cave. Ronnie tried to have a closer look at his face, he went closer.

They all took battle stances in case the figure was an enemy.

"Let's all calm down now, shall we?" He said, raising both his hands in the air as a sign of submission.

"Wait—" Lillith said. She shone the light closer to his face.

"You know this guy?" Aiden asked.

"I believe I do, you can all stand down" Lillith said. Her subordinates put their weapons out of sight almost immediately without hesitation.

"You all are not an easy group to find" he said, smiling mischievously.

"General Xander, I wasn't expecting you here. We agreed to meet in the capital" Lillith said.

"That we did. However, there has been a change of plans. The capital is not safe for you. You're wanted all over the realm" the demon said.

He had long silver coloured hair, crimson coloured eyes and a lean figure, two long horns protruding from his forehead.

"This is the man we're relying on to help us? I don't trust him. Not one bit" Aiden said, he stared at Xander with hostile eyes.

"Aiden" Anissa called out.

Aiden glanced at her, and took a walk to the entrance of the cave where the rain still poured heavily.

"It doesn't matter whether we trust each other or not, young warrior, our interests simply align." He said, looking over at Aiden.

"Did someone leak our plans? how did they know we were planning on hitting the capital directly?" Lilith asked.

"The town you just failed to save, that was the last defiant village outside the capital. It's only natural that you're want to hit the capital next" Xander said.

"We're not running. We've made up our minds to see this through. Right, commander?" Riya asked.

"Right" Lillith concurred.

"I'm not here to change your plans. Rather, I'm here to make sure you get into the capital undetected. I will be redirecting your transportation magic circle to my fortress." Xander said.

Everyone in the cave shot him a sharp look. They knew what the stakes were.

"should we really — trust him?" Anissa asked.

"Like I said before, you don't have to. You want the mad king off the throne, I want that too. It's simple" Xander said, he kept his mischievous smile.

"I don't trust him" Ronnie said. Immediately, Xander looked in his direction, wearing a devilish grin. This sent shivers up Ronnie's spine. Ronnie stepped back in fear.

The gang agreed to Xanders offer. He suggested they transport under the heavy downpour so that it masks Rachael's magic.

After all preparations and gathering their gear, they were on their way. They stood under the harsh pour of the rain, Rachael conjured her transportation circle. After taking a brief oath to stay devoted to the mission no matter what happened, they went into the circle one after the other, leaving Xander and Lillith remaining.

"After you, commander" Xander said.

"As you wish, general—" Lillith called out, gripping his hand.

"Yes dear?" Xander asked, wearing a curious, amused expression.

"I appreciate your help and your support of my cause but I'll kill you if you betray me" Lilith spoke coldly. She wore a look that Ronnie hardly ever saw.

"We have an understanding" Xander said, nodding his head. Lillith walked into the magic circle. Ronnie intended to follow through right after her but he halted, he noticed Xander glancing at him.

"Ah, so that's how it is. This is interesting" Xander laughed softly, Ronnie ran right through him in fear and went through the magic circle.

"How could he see me? That's not possible. Even Lilith couldn't sense my presence.

Ronnie passed through the circle completely to find an appalling sight. Lillith and her band were totally surrounded. It was an ambush. Xander came walking majestically through the magic circle just before it closed.

"Xander, you betrayed us. I expected you to at some point, but not this soon" Lillith said.

Aiden drew his sword but he knew it was futile, a whole troope of mid level demons had surrounded them.

"My loyalty is with my king alone. If I deliver you to him on a silver platter like this, he's bound to offer me the position of right hand man, a position that should be mine already" Xander said, he shot Lilith a condescending look.

"I'll kill you, I promise. Even if I die today, I'll kill you" Lillith pledged.

Xander walked towards her, giving her an intimidating stare. She felt more irritated than intimidated. He took his lips closer to her ears.

"The dungeon is the safest place you can be now. It's also the easiest way to get closer to the king without being captured by one of the other generals. I need this to look convincing" Xander whispered.

Lillith's eyes widened. She dropped her guard in that instant. The rest of her team noticed her behavior and followed suit. They allowed themselves to be taken in without causing a scene.

Ronnie bit his lower lip in frustration.

"You should follow them, wouldn't you like to see your slave's sworn nemesis?" Xander spoke softly, he wore an expression Ronnie couldn't read.

"How can you see me? How did you know about the contract? Are you the reason?" Ronnie asked.

"You're a rather foolish human. That grotesque looking sigil on the back of your hand told me all I needed to know." He said.

Ronnie stared at him in disbelief.

"Run on boy, the show only gets more fun from here" Xander cackled.

Ronnie shot him a disgusted glance and ran after Lilith.

They had been taken to Samael's fortress. He ordered for the criminals to be brought to his chambers. They had chains on their necks and hands.

After some moments in silence had passed, a young man entered the room.

"I apologize for keeping my guests waiting. I had a meeting to attend" he said, smiling at the bunch.

"Samael" Lillith muttered, her eyes had darkened