Lucifer sat upon his throne of gold and rare gems, it's been a year since Edwin's tragic death. The massive ballroom glowing under a grand chandelier. Classical music drifted through the air, soft and elegant, a strange contrast to the king of demons who ruled the world. Lucifer was a demon, yes, but not the kind mortals imagined. He was the opposite of the monstrous legends. Refined. Beautiful. Calm. And yet every demon feared him not just for his power, but for his mind. He glanced toward the towering doors just moments before they opened. Azael entered."Supreme," Azael said, bowing his head. "I have a concern to address." Lucifer nodded, voice smooth and quiet. "Which is?"Azael stepped forward. "I am growing impatient. When will we strike? When will we crush these cockroaches who hinder our progress?" Lucifer's expression didn't change. "The time has not yet come, Fallen One."Azael clenched his jaw. "We should retaliate for Edwin's death and for the other princes. Let us take this group of peasants and show them what happens to those who oppose us."A faint smile touched Lucifer's lips. "Azael… do you remember Moloch?"Azael froze. Moloch? I haven't thought of him in centuries."Yes, my lord," he said slowly. "I remember Moloch."Lucifer leaned back on his throne. "After your rebellion against me and my legion long ago, I allowed Moloch to play the role of 'god of this world.' As the masses were intrigued with his appearance and false promises. Instructions were simple, remain patient. His time would come."Azael listened, unsure where this was going. "But Moloch grew impatient," Lucifer continued. "At the height of his false reign, he influenced mortals to offer human sacrifices to feed his power. Its pitiful how mothers adn fathers will give up there newborns so they can be blessed with fertility and wealth. Mankind has one trait that doesn't change and never will they all be selfish! "Azael remained silent.Lucifer's voice lowered. "He grew strong. Very strong. But the Almighty did not allow human sacrifice. And as Moloch's cult grew, so did his arrogance. He believed he could overthrow the hierarchy… just as you once did."Azael stared at Lucifer, understanding the message."Moloch was defeated," Lucifer said. "Now he is nothing but a name Moloch is remembered only for his foolishness."Lucifer rose from his throne, eyes glowing faintly. "There is a reason I have been the Supreme for so long. A reason I sit on this throne after countless mortals and immortals have tried to dethrone me."Azael bowed his head."Take this lesson," Lucifer said softly. "Patience. Your time will come."Azael had never feared anyone, not demon nor mortal. Only the Almighty had ever struck fear into him. But Lucifer… Lucifer was something else entirely. His calm. His certainty. His power wrapped in elegance. That was what made him king of all demons. Azael bowed deeper. "Yes, Supreme. I understand.""Good," Lucifer said. "Now assemble all legions of the elites only. We have a war to prepare for."
