The Return of the Order: Act 35

As Lord Birch made his way from the kitchen to his bedroom, he noted a shadow moving towards his study. Thinking it to be Undertaker heading back to the books, he thought little of it and continued on his way. His head throbbed with the gravity of the decision he had just made. Lord Birch had cared little for his life since the deaths of his wife and child. He had readily accepted his death at the hands of the demon he had trapped as payment for his actions. Ordering Sebastian to place Louisa's safety above his was the right thing to do, so why did he now feel uneasy? Why now was his imminent demise gnawing at him?

Lord Birch's thoughts carried him up the stairs until he collided with an immovable object. Dazed, Lord Birch looked up as the object giggled unmistakeably. Focusing, Lord Birch realised that it was not just Undertaker but also Margaret, who was half-hidden and wrapped in Undertaker's arms.

“Lord Birch didn’t anyone ever tell you it is rude to stare,” giggled Undertaker.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you to be there.” He looked at the couple and smiled, he made to towards his room, turning to wish them goodnight, then stopped. “But, if you are here, then who was going in my study.”

Fear flittered across Undertakers eyes, he released Margaret from his embrace, called his scythe and vaulted down the stairs. Margaret called for her own scythe as she followed Undertaker and shouted for Lord Birch to remain where he was.

****

The figure quietly entered the study, unaware that it had been seen. Making its way to the books scattered across the floor, it took in the names on the covers. Smirking its hand moved over to the books written by Lord Birch's wife. Picking up one it leafed through the pages. Its smirk grew wider as it realised how much information was contained within the pages. After their rescue, the one-time prisoner of the Order had obviously returned to the castle, taking anything of value. It explained why he had found nothing when he had finally returned himself. As his eyes moved across each page, he realised something was missing. Pages were torn from the book. In frustration he threw the book hard against the wall. He winced as the thud reverberated around the room. Standing still he waited. Hearing nothing, he turned his attention to the cinematic records. If he could not use the binding spell, then he would find another way to create the chaos he needed.

His eyes fell upon Louisa's book, and the smirk returned. Picking up the book, he opened it at the time of her death. He watched as the reels revealed themselves, revelling in the pain the angel had caused as he ripped her heart from her body. Then, there was nothing, for so long there was nothing. Her human soul had remained trapped within her body, maintained by the essences of the hybrid children she carried.

He scoffed and moved the book forward in time, finding Louisa's first memories after being brought back. The first face she saw was that damn demon's, the connection between them made him sick. His anger rose as he replayed the memory of Malphas, explaining how Undertaker had been instrumental in bringing her back. His eyes glowed as he realised that it was he, Undertaker, death himself, that was the greatest traitor to the reaper race. Undertaker too would be dealt with, but first, he needed to understand how it was possible. He had heard whispers, after the fight at the abbey. Whispers that the books could be paused, added to, but how?

He grabbed a pen from the desk, placed the book down at its last page and pressed the nib to the paper. As he tried to get the ink to flow, he scanned the words in front of him. His hand tightened on the pen as he saw the images form in front of him. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought that the family were that important. So much fell into place as he realised that his prey was the family of the first demon. If he was successful, then the rest of the demon realm would be in such chaos they would fall in line easily, leaving the human realm for good.

His mind focused once more, he returned his attention to the pen. The nib scratched at the paper, but no matter how hard he pressed, the ink would not flow. He threw the pen in frustration and searched for another only for the result to be the same. He was so engrossed in his search for one that would make its mark that he did not hear the study door open.

“You did not think it would be that easy, did you, Ronald?”

****

Typhon hugged his daughter, placing his hand on her stomach, he smiled, “I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you both of my plans.”

“Father?”

"When you both return home, I believe it is time for you to take your own thrones. While I currently run Amo's hoard, it and his stronghold are yours. Between the three of us, we will hold two of the most powerful strongholds in the realm. It should stop any further attempts to tip the balance of power and give you both the positions and rewards that you truly deserve."

Sebastian and Louisa looked at each other, smiling. Louisa placed her hands on her father's arms, concern flitting across her face. "Father, we are honoured, but the child?"

“You will come back when you are ready, the thrones will wait for you, as will your hoards. Wherever you choose to raise the child, you will do so just as perfectly as you did with the twins. Now you should both rest. Ciel and I will take watch, he still has much to learn and little time to do so.”

“Where is Ciel?” asked Louisa, realising that she had not seen her cousin since dinner had ended.

"He is carrying out a small task for me." Replied Typhon smirking and offering no further explanation.

Sebastian moved forward and grasped Typhon to him. “My Lord Typhon, we are grateful, and we will take our places when this is over. Until then, we must fulfil our promises to the demon hoards and feast in the blood of our enemies.”

"Yes, my boy, we will, and it will be glorious. Now go, take the time you have together while the quiet holds."

Louisa grasped the sword from the kitchen counter as Sebastian swept her up into his arms. Typhon smiled at the pair and lead the way out of the kitchen. As they approached the stairs, they were met by shouts and the clash of metal on metal. Sebastian placed Louisa back on her feet and reached in his pocket for his butter knives. Louisa let the wrapping fall from the sword and followed her mate and her father towards the noises emanating from Lord Birch's study.