Chapter 352

"Why haven't you come back to see us?" Ruby approached.

"We've been busy," Zack replied.

While walking up Ruby examined their group closely. Noticing Helena's curious expression she stopped. It wasn't hard to discern it was Zack's child, and it left her perplexed.

During Ruby's quiet examination Tessa returned. Astrid immediately marched up to Zack and embraced him from behind. She immediately glared at Ruby and mouthed obscenities discreetly.

"What are you doing?" Zack relayed.

"There are no vacancies for devils at the moment so scram." Astrid relayed with a serious look.

Sharing the bed with others was always welcomed, and frequently encouraged, but this was another matter. Zack's life force was indeed bountiful, but only one devil could share the bond. The first night they were intimate a contract was sealed.

Devil's would typically break the contract after feeding, and those who didn't typically had malicious intent. This was because of the danger it would impose on a mortal's soul, but Zack was far from that. With no danger to his body, it allowed them to maintain this bond.

"You should show your elders some respect." Ruby relayed.

Breaking the deal could be done by another method, and it required a duel. Being on the way to the Underworld, they just quietly smiled. In the presence of Helena, there would be no conflict, but she would soon return to Eden.

Business just finished when Helena ran up to greet Ozen. Watching their leader behave playfully with a child was a surprise. Not a single one of them dared shared their opinion on the matter.

"You're getting quick." Mephisto praised.

"Where's Mrs. Pheles?" Helena smiled.

"Somewhere safe for now, but she wants to visit Eden soon," Mephisto replied.

"My men have been pestering about doing the same, and it's not just the grunts." Ozen glanced at Samuel by the door.

Watching Zack mingling with his companions Samuel was concerned. This trip was one filled with conflict, and he knew Zack wouldn't be idle. Even if things went perfect it would take three days for the banquet.

'I hope you're ready for this. Given the storms along the border, he's been in a bad mood.'

On the right-wing of the castle, Olivia was exchanging payment with their blacksmith. Meanwhile, Crowley was browsing through a catalog of weapons. Going into the pit as a young demon a duel was guaranteed.

Accompanying a Demon Lord with two halflings the chances skyrocket. To ensure her master's disciple didn't get swept away in the chaos Olivia took action. The blacksmith ignited his forge and prepared a billet of an obsidian-like ore that radiated an ominous red light.

"It will be ready in a few minutes so try to hurry up." The blacksmith stated.

"Need some help?" Olivia glanced over his shoulder.

"No, I know what I want." Crowley closed the catalog.

After exchanging pleasantries Zack's group entered the castle and made their way to the hall. It was a long journey, and before embarking they wanted to feast. Zack was more than happy to oblige for it meant more time with Helena.

"You sure it's wise to bring her?" Ozen asked.

"She isn't making the trip. We just wanted another chance to get out of the house." Zack replied.

"That's good news. I'll be making the trip back to the border if you need a guard." Samuel offered.

"The array is much faster," Lilith stated.

"I thought you were coming with us?" Zack inquired.

"In the past, Michael has ordered assaults during our assemblies," Samuel replied.

"We elect a regent to ensure it doesn't happen again." Ozen told Zack.

"Any tips?" Zack asked.

"Keep your head down." Samuel took a drink of his whiskey.

"Try to behave like a demon," Mephisto suggested.

"That means no running to the rescue," Tessa told Zack.

"I can't see that happening." Olivia smiled.

"Bet he last five minutes." Ozen chuckled.

"After we make it to the waystation?" Mephisto asked.

'That didn't take long.' Lilith sighed.

"Let's do this seriously. He makes a scene before the night is done." Ozen suggested.

"Tomorrow afternoon would be the smart bet." Samuel retrieved some gold.

"That's what I was thinking too," Mephisto replied.

"Can you stop gambling around a child?" Lilith scolded.

"What does that mean?" Helena asked.

"It's a game for adults," Astrid explained.

Once the feast concluded they began wandering to the center of the palace. There they found a courtyard with a large doorway. It appeared to be naturally carved into the earth, but the designs etched into it appeared ominous.

Surrounding it was a band of elites who immediately saluted in Ozen's presence. They made the preparations to open the gates as Olivia activated the array inside the wagon. Crowding around Helena the others bid farewell and promised to watch after her papa.

"You gonna watch after my familiar while I'm gone?" Zack requested.

Helena nodded before hugging Zack tightly. Not long after the array was activated it began to glow implying an incoming traveler. Olivia backed up promptly, and as the figure appeared she smiled.

"Only two nights?" Helena asked one more time.

"That's it, and after I get back we will have a trip together. You gotta convince momma to come okay?" Zack tussled her hair

"I will!" Helena smiled.

They approached the door to the wagon together as it opened from the inside. Standing at the doorway with an awkward smile was Ren. After they left she began thinking of the baby, and how it wasn't right to stay behind out of fear.

'I have to face them at some point.' Ren clenched her fist.

"You changed your mind." Zack approached with a smile.

Zack stepped up to greet his woman, and escort Helena to the array. Ren was expecting an attitude or some argument, but not a welcoming smile. Once Helena returned to the city they deactivated the array and kissed passionately.

"I thought you would be mad." Ren rubbed her arm.

"I've missed having you at my side." Zack smiled.

"Even if it's dangerous?" Ren asked.

"No harm will come to you in my presence." Zack caressed her cheek.