Shadow of the Abyss

As Syris stood before the full-length body mirror, she observed a silly grin on her face. Her reflection seemed almost unrecognizable to her. Her knees had nearly given way, buckling like a newborn fawn. The early morning exercise still lingered in her mind, leaving her eyes glossy and unfocused.

She felt lost in the fog of the memories that flooded her thoughts, eroding her awareness, leaving only the seething ache of throbbing loins.

He appeared like a looming shadow, cupping her ass and giving her a nice squeeze. "I fucking love how thick you are," he said, recalling how she had him shooting blanks just a few hours ago. "How do you feel?"

Syris, with pleading eyes, looked up at Altair through the mirror. "I don't have the physical strength. No more," she said, betrayed by her naughty palm cradling his manhood beneath his trousers.

Altair invoked 'Soul of the Indomitable' to cool the blood racing towards his Warhammer. He swatted her hand away and said, "Someone from the Crucible is seeking an audience with me."

Syris, who had been reeling with a tanalizing elation, suddenly lost her smile and swiftly pivoted on her heel to face Altair. Her pale, piercing eyes, now devoid of any warmth, flashed with an intense gleam that could only be described as deadly. It was apparent that they had arrived earlier than she had anticipated, completely catching her off guard.

She had initially hoped that they would have more time to prepare themselves for the inevitable. The merger between Gaia and Earth was scheduled to take place in just a few days, and she had hoped that they would have had at least until then. The gravity of the situation had now become all too real, and she knew that they had to act fast to protect themselves and their world.

"Who'd they send." she finally asked after a moment's pause.

"A woman by the name of Morrigan of Scara and a man who gave no name." Altair said, "I've asked that he be removed from the premises since he wasn't courteous enough to name himself before my people."

"Oh?" Syris smiled. " Who'd you send to tell them to fuck off?"

"Who else but Raven."

***

Morrigan was taken aback by the stunning young woman before her, who stood with a firm and commanding presence. The woman was armed with a glaive that was strapped to her back, its sharp obsidian edge gleaming in the deadly mana.

Her arms were folded across her chest, and Morrigan couldn't help but notice the intricate tattoos that adorned her right arm, which were barely visible beneath her uniform. The woman's head was slightly tilted as if she was silently assessing Salazar with a stern gaze.

"Forgive my rudeness, but what is the problem?" Morrigan asked.

"Master has asked that he leave," Raven said.

Salizar, who'd been sitting at rest, stood up, his blood-red eyes flaring. "What is the meaning of this? I heard you are Altair's Slaves—his undead. Surely, you've been informed of the Golden Crucible."

'I was with my Master through the Ten Years he was imprisoned. I know all about it," Raven said, her expression not giving anything away. "But your presence is not needed. Lady Morrigan will be the only person to meet Emperor Blackwood.

Salizar, a tall and imposing figure, stuttered towards her, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. Without warning, he raised his hand and aimed a slap at her face. However, his attempt was met with a sudden resistance, causing his palm to ricochet backward with shattering force.

As his hand recoiled, a wisp of Vale Qi flared up, rippling through the air like the waves on a calm lake. The energy that followed seemed to awaken something ancient, something that had long been dormant. It was a force that pulsed through the very fabric of reality, drawing the attention of both the Gods of Old and New.

The room was filled with a strange and unsettling aura as if the very air had become charged with ominous intent. Salizar stood frozen, his eyes transfixed on the ripple of energy that spread through the room.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still, as if the entire Myriad Heavens was holding its breath in anticipation. The Gods watched with keen interest; their immortal eyes fixated on the mortals caught in the midst of this otherworldly display of power.

The Vale quivered through Raven's amethyst eyes, fueling her body and soul with Authority.

"Hey, Mr. Do you want to die?"

"Just leave!" Morrigan snapped. "Your presence is unwarranted by the Monarch of this land or myself."

"Her Majesty has—"

"Kid. Don't think us Old Gods don't have ways to kill younglings like you," Athena said, emerging like an apparition. Her steely eyes locked on Salizar. "Leave, or you'll be turned to dust. We'll not see you out."

Raven did not bother to glance once more at Salizars contorted expression, sheathing her essence. She smiled as if nothing had happened. "Emperor Blackwood will see you now."

Salizar opened his mouth, preparing to voice his discontent, but ate those words as Raven glanced his way. There were warnings in her amethyst eyes, as well as Authority. He weighed his options and the consequences of his actions before speaking out.

"Fine, but I want a report. When you return." He said, taking his leave without further hesitation.

Raven did not further acknowledge the stranger, regarding him as air; she directed Morrigan towards the Throne.

"Presenting, Morrigan of Scara," Aurora said, heralding her through the golden doors.

As Morrigan stepped through the doors, her sharp eyes quickly locked onto Thanatos and Zagreus, who were standing a few feet away. Her frown deepened, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she observed the two men. Despite their low cultivation, Morrigan's honed instincts warned her of an underlying danger, and she knew that she couldn't let her guard down.

She took a few cautious steps forward, her eyes darting back and forth between the pair as she tried to assess the situation. The air around them was tense, and Morrigan could feel its weight pressing down on her. She took a deep breath and steadied herself, ready to face whatever was to come.

"You can relax," Altair said from upon his throne, noticing the slight bit of tension.

'He says that, but the unbridled killing intent says otherwise.' Morrigan thought, shooting an eye toward the two men, then Altair. She said, " You know why I'm here."

"Not really," Altair said, feigning ignorance. "Please spell it out for me. What exactly do you want from me?"

Morrigan suddenly felt a hot gust of heat rise across her cheeks as she thought, 'Is he trying to shame me?' It was only then that she noticed that aside from Syris, only men stood within his court.

It didn't take long for her to realize that was his intent.

Still, Morrigan held her head high and said, without the slightest hint of shame, "I've been ordered to carry your child."

"That's interesting. Altair said mildly. "And for what reason should I father some bastard with the likes of you?"

"The Goddess of Rot commands it."

Altair laughed, regaling his court with his booming voice. "She might command it. However, I've no interest in fighting over who to mate with. Azura, Grimmory, Artemis. I'm caught in a sort of baby hell. Everyone thinks of me as a factory that I can fuck into any whore they send my way."

Morrigan had the grace to blush. "I am not a whore!" she said through gritted teeth. "I was ordered to—-

"It's irrelevant," Altair said, suddenly gesturing a finger through the air.

She emerged beside Morrigan, her smiling lips perking as her devilish eyes traced Altair's every muscle. "You called, your majesty?"

"Yes. Morrigan, this is Tasha. Tasha, Morrigan. One of you works for the Goddess of Rot, the other for the Fallen Angel, Gremory. I can't refuse either of those two monsters, so it comes down to you two. I'm quite a busy man.

Ann Syris and Raina are the only mates I have any desire to be intimate with."

"You can't refuse the Goddess Of Rot."

Altair shrugged. "And I'm not. Grimory is. Or should I say Tasha here? If you want my seed, kill her and take her spot, or she'll kill you. I only have one dick.

Or I guess you can seduce me. And I might just clear up sometime."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Is it?" Syris remarked, curling down on Altair's lap. "Just this morning alone, I had him shooting blanks." She touched her womb, looking at the two, licked her lips, and said, "I don't plan on giving him to anyone. Art is mine."

Altair looked stunned, catching himself before his mask shattered.

Zagreus looked at Thanatos, mouthing, "Why are we here?"

"Shut up and look serious," Thaan mouthed back.

"That's actually impressive," Tasha muttered, touching a finger to her lips."Your dual cultivation must be on point. What's it at?"

"D Rank"

"Oh, my~" Tasha grinned lewdly. "One night with me, and I'll have you in C-Rank."

Altair didn't deny it. If anything, he already considered it. Tasha was in the Ninth Circle. The boom he would receive would rocket him past his own understanding. He'd only delayed due to this moment in time.

"The Lady of Rot will hear of this."

Altair shrugged. "Do whatever you want. It still doesn't change the fact that I have a deal with Gremory. If you want my cock earn the bloody right to have it." And he whispered beneath his breath," Blood Hell, I still can't believe this conversation is happening in my Court. What a day."