Dantalion was now my guardian…. Our bond as angel and mortal soul was our only link holding us together. When blood poured down the walls of the Courtyard, our names scratched onto stone washed away like rain. Bonds were made to be broken. They were coming for me…. Keeping me from him. Luring him into signing the oath and summoning the Four Kings of Hell.
The familiar crimson aura filtered above the lightening clad sky, neutral ground became once again the place where angels and demons would tread. Images raced through me…. A life for a life. I stared at the inked mark on my forearm of a demon who had left me scarred and tainted. I felt new, unfamiliar claws draw across my skin, scorching flesh to bone… glowing… permeating sulfur… burning me from the inside out. Intricate in design, crimson and indigo, beginning at the base of both wrists and spiraling up both my forearms, like a deadly poison, choking away life with every pulse. Each brand interlaced with the other, displaying an elaborate evocation, binding pure evil to my soul. Seared into my flesh unveiled the marks of a new brotherhood of demons… the Four Kings of Hell.
Dantalion's voice settled over the borders of the blood drenched Courtyard addressing Satan and Belial:
"O Day Star, Son of Dawn! How you are cut to the ground, you who laid the nations low. You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; But you are brought down to the depths of the pit!" The Holy Bible: Isaiah 14:12
"And to believe this was once our brother demon….reciting verse from the Bible!" Belial sneered at Dantalion. His claws sliced through his demon form. "Twas I who created the oath…the angel of light and the angel of darkness…the Guardian of the Northern Infernal Realm. Thee must sign it and summon the rightful Four Kings of Hell to reign supreme!"
Beyond them the angels of the third heaven gathered on holy ground, praying for Dantalion's immortal soul, knowing this was what they feared for two ages….their protection could not keep him from me…. Or his purpose. They awaited this day, the summoning. Their attempts would fail Dantalion.
Dantalion manifested not in human form but half-demon…Rowan's body, glaring at Belial through Satan's barrier. "What pact is worthy of my immortal soul being taken again? The girl remains protected by guardian and half-demon alike. Where are my brothers Lucifer and Leviathan? Are they not here to force my signing of the oath?"