Chapter 5: The Devil's Bargain

As the dust settled in the wake of the battle, Constantine stood amidst the ruins of the cultists' lair, a contemplative look etched upon his weathered face. The echoes of the demon's roars still reverberated within the cavernous space, a haunting reminder of the infernal forces they had just vanquished.

Suddenly, a chill swept through the air, and a familiar figure materialized from the shadows. It was Lucifer Morningstar, the charismatic and enigmatic ruler of Hell, his devilish grin as sharp as ever.

"Well, well, well, John Constantine," Lucifer drawled, his voice a seductive blend of charm and menace. "Looks like you've been quite busy."

Constantine eyed the fallen angel with a mixture of wariness and begrudging respect. Lucifer was a force of nature, a being of immense power and unpredictable whims. His presence always brought an element of chaos, a disruption to the fragile balance between heaven and hell.

"What brings you here, Lucifer?" Constantine asked, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Lucifer chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, just a friendly visit," he replied. "I heard about your little tussle with my friend from down Under. Thought I'd drop in and see how you were holding up."

Constantine knew that Lucifer's motives were far from pure. The devil always had an ulterior motive, a hidden agenda that he kept close to his chest. But Constantine was also aware that Lucifer could be a valuable ally, a source of information and power in the ever-shifting landscape of the supernatural.

"I could always use an extra hand," Constantine admitted, his eyes meeting Lucifer's.

Lucifer grinned, his expression as sharp as his wit. "Well, then, perhaps we can strike a little bargain."

Constantine raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the devil's proposition. He knew that dealing with Lucifer was a dangerous game, a dance on the precipice of oblivion. But he was also desperate for any advantage he could gain in the ongoing battle against the forces of darkness.

"What have you got in mind, Lucifer?" Constantine asked, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

Lucifer leaned in, his breath warm against Constantine's cheek. "I can provide you with the information and resources you need," he whispered, his voice laced with temptation. "But in return, you must do me a little favor."

Constantine's eyes narrowed, his mind racing as he contemplated Lucifer's offer. He knew that the devil's favors never came without a price. But he also knew that he couldn't refuse Lucifer's proposition without risking something far greater