Chapter 34

                                    

                                          
As Alastor and Zestial sat in a lavishly decorated side room, the conversation between the two powerful figures had taken an unexpected turn-one of civility. Over the past several minutes, the two Overlords had shifted politics to a surprising discussion about tea varieties.
Alastor, his ever-present smile gleaming, leaned back in his chair. "You see, there's nothing quite like a good Earl Grey to start the day. The floral hints paired with a strong, robust body-it's quite invigorating!"
Zestial, sitting with perfect posture, raised a brow at the mention. His tone remained composed, "Ah, thou doth speak highly of such a blend. I, however, wouldst argue that the finest teas are oolong-complex in both flavor and spirit. They art not as bold as thy Earl Grey, but they offer a depth that lingers upon one's senses."
Alastor chuckled, twirling a finger in the air as if considering the merits of Zestial's point. "A fair argument, old friend. Perhaps we'll have to settle this over a tea tasting sometime."
The sound of a door creaking open pulled both of their attention toward the hallway. Spawn and Carmilla emerged, walking side by side. They weren't smiling-neither of them ever did-but there was a calmness between them that hadn't been there before.
Alastor was the first to rise, his smile widening as he clapped his hands together. "Ah, there you are! So, have things been... resolved?"
Zestial stood beside him, his powerful presence filling the room as he observed the pair with a more restrained curiosity. "Hast thou reached some manner of concord, then?"
Carmilla and Spawn exchanged a brief look, both seemingly on the same page without the need for words. It was Spawn who spoke first, his tone low and measured. "Yeah. We came to an agreement."
Alastor's eyes gleamed with curiosity, though his smile remained unchanged. "Oh, splendid! Care to elaborate on the terms?"
Carmilla crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe, cutting in with a cool, commanding voice. "It's simple. He keeps the weapons he took. In exchange, he'll provide me with some... support in the coming days."
Spawn gave a curt nod, as if to confirm her words. He wasn't interested in offering any more details than necessary. The deal was done, and he was ready to move on.
Alastor's smile faltered for just a split second, the tiniest crack in his otherwise unshakable facade. "Support, you say? How intriguing."
Zestial, ever the pragmatic one, nodded approvingly, though his tone remained cautious. "If such an accord brings forth peace, then 'tis well. But let us hope 'tis honored by both parties, for alliances forged in Hell are oft tested."
Spawn simply grunted in acknowledgment, while Carmilla shot a glance at Alastor. "I'll make sure it holds, Alastor. I have no reason to doubt him as long as he keeps his word."
"Of course, of course," Alastor replied smoothly, his smile returning in full force. "I'm just pleased that we avoided any unnecessary... complications."
With that, the tension in the air lessened ever so slightly, though the gravity of their new arrangement was far from lost on anyone in the room. Hell was not a place for trust, but for now, they had reached something resembling a truce.
Alastor clapped his hands together once more, ever the showman. "Well, it seems our work here is done. Shall we celebrate with a fine cup of oolong, or perhaps Earl Grey?"
Zestial quirked a brow at the comment but remained composed. "I wouldst indulge, though there be matters at hand which must command mine attention."
Carmilla and Spawn shared a final, knowing look before she turned toward the other Overlords. "We're done here. Let's keep things moving."