Sebastian walks down the halls of the castle as he adjusts his uniform and gloves, making sure everything is in perfect order. He walks up to a wall and presses his hand up against it, revealing a hidden chamber. Walking inside, he closes the wall behind him as torches illuminate the path leading downwards. He walks down the path towards a large room with a single circular table sitting in the darkness of the middle.

  “Sebastian has arrived.” Someone says, sitting in darkness.

  “About time I was getting impatient.”

  “You're always impatient.”

  Sebastian smirks hearing the three voices as he snaps his fingers and the torches across the room burn. Oscar, Lois, and ‘Isaac’ sit around the table all turned toward Sebastian. Sebastian takes his seat as the others turn their gaze to the center of the table.

  “So, where are we in the plan?” ‘Isaac,’ asks. “It’s annoying to spend my time sitting in the dungeon all day.”

  “Everything with the Great One is progressing steadily. At this rate, he’ll be ready to emerge before the week's end.” Oscar says.

  Lois nods. “I’ve prepared a bountiful feast for the Great One. And with dear Morgan as the centerpiece, I know he’ll be satisfied.”

  “And we’ve captured the perfect desert. That Fox Girl Queen is filled to the brim with wild Mana. A perfect little feast.”

  “Good, then everything is in order. By the time those fools realize anything, Morgan will be gone and the Great One will have taken these islands.” Oscar smirks.

  Lois nods. “Yes. Soon Demon Kind will return to the mainland and stomp out those lesser beings.”

  “But we have to talk business, don’t we?” ‘Isaac,’ asks.

  “Yes. It appears that Talia and Luka have fallen.” Sebastian says.

  No one at the table responds or reacts to the news. They all sit stone-faced in silence. After a few moments Sebastian breaks the silence.

  “This was unexpected, but it does not derail our plans.”

  “Luka likely lost control of himself again,” Lous says.

  Oscar nods. “Talia always loved playing with her food too much. It’s a shame to lose her strength, but we will move forward without them.”

  Sebastian nods. “Yes. Judging from what I sensed, I believe they fell to the Pieces of Glyn. They’ve likely come in search of their King and encountered each other.”

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  “Can we assume Xia Bai died in the battles as well?” Lois asks.

  “Nope.” ‘Isaac,’ shakes his head and holds out his King Piece. “She’s very much alive. And she’s likely nearby, from what I’m sensing, but I can’t get a precise location.”

  “So, she’s a traitor then,” Lois says.

  “Can she be called a traitor if she was never on our side to begin with? She was just a disposable tool we used to find worthy snacks for the Great One. It’s a shame we never converted her until now.”

  “None of our kind can withstand the Mana in her body. But with the Great One revived, stronger Demons will emerge and we can abandon these fleshy shells and become our true selves.”

  Lois laughs. “Oh true. It’s been so long since I had gotten used to this body. Maybe I’ll hold on to it as a souvenir of everything we’ve been through together.”

  “I’m sure the one inside of you is begging for the day you put them to rest. Prolonging their suffering does nothing for anyone.” Oscar says.

  “It gives me more joy. I can hear it during the night, their screams begging me to end them for me to grant them the peace of death.” Lois laughs. “Ah. How I want to hear the cries of the entire world.”

  “So, what now? She will come after us, especially for you.” Oscar says, pointing at ‘Isaac.’

  He shrugs. “I can bring her to heel with this piece or we can kill her. Either works for me. But, if possible, I’d love to have her body for myself. I bet it’d feel a ton better than this weakling’s body.”

  “It’s fine. You're weaker than you think you are. That body will suffice for now.” Sebastian says.

  ‘Isaac’, glares at him. “Fine. But I don’t like it!”

  “So, what’s the plan now?”

  “Same as always. We are close to our goal. The Shadows are at bay and the other candidates are distracted. We have everything we need for our victory. All we have to do is wait.” Sebastian says with a smile.

  As the group stands around Sebastian stands. “Going to check on the mistress?” Lois asks.

  “Yes. I have to make sure our little treat is happy and healthy for now. After all, she’ll taste all the better if she’s treated nicely and then betrayed at her greatest moment.” He says with a smile.

  Meanwhile, Morgan sits in her chambers, staring off into the distance as a sharp pain shoots through her head. She looks off as memories flash through her mind. Looking down, she sees blood covering her hands as she pants rapidly with her hands shaking. Her eyes dance around rapidly before the doors to her chambers open and Sebastian steps in.

  “Mistress Morgan, are you alright?” He asks, walking to her side.

  She nods and focuses on him. “I’m fine. Just tired. I need a rest. Managing everything is exhausting.”

  “It’s fine my Queen. Just leave everything to me. I will make sure you ascend to your proper place in the world.”

  Morgan nods. “Thank you. You’ve always been by my side, and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

  “It’s fine Mistress. I can’t wait until I see you place the crown on your head.”

  She smiles happily. “I just have to prepare everything. Soon, our ultimate weapon will be ready. The Great One will save all of us, and everything I’ve done will be worth it.”

  “Of course.”

  “Are you sure the Great One can make a better world?”

  “Yes, Mistress. The Great One will assuredly make a better world a perfect world where no one must suffer.”

  She smiles happily. “That sounds blissful. I can’t wait for it. I want to see this perfect world now.”

  “Soon. By the week's end, the Great One will awaken and no one will stop us,” He says with a wide grin across his face. “Now shall I prepare your tea, Mistress?”

  She nods. “Yes. Your teas always helps me relax.”

  “It’s my duty to assist you, Mistress. Calming your mind and bringing peace to your soul is the utmost responsibility of my job.” He bows happily. “Now, which flavor would you like today?”