• Lucifer met his queen, Palesa, in the library. As he entered, the thick purple curtains were drawn over the windows. As Lucifer had been born a vampire like his father, brothers, and sister, the light often hurt his eyes. So for his comfort they closed the windows. Palesa was near the back, sitting in a soft purple chair and reading.

    "I'm sorry I'm late." Lucifer said, sitting down in the chair beside her. "The Council droned on and on...my brothers weren't helping either."

    Palesa smiled at him and closed her book. "Don't fret...our business is much less urgent than the matters the Council deals with." She set a hand on her stomach, which had an extremely pronounced bump in it.

    Lucifer shook his head. "The name of my firstborn son is just as important, Palesa. He will be a king...so, what shall we call him?"

    "Perhaps we could name him after your father?" Palesa suggested.

    Lucifer shook his head. "Donovan III? No...Donovan II is quite enough for me..."

    Palesa smiled at her husband. "Lucifer...he's your brother. I know he and Rorek can become grating, especially now, but your still family. The blood that runs through your veins runs through Donovan's and Rorek's. As well as our son's."

    Lucifer sighed. "I know...did you think of another name?"

    "I thought Lucifer II would be nice..." Palesa answered, smiling at him again.

    Lucifer chuckled. "No...how about we name him after your father? Lord Erebus?"

    Palesa thought, rubbing her stomach slightly. "Prince Erebus...son of King Lucifer and Queen Palesa..." She nodded. "I like that...it seems to suit him...but as a precaution, go speak with your sister. The naming of sons is a tricky business, my love. We must choose wisely."

    Lucifer nodded. He stood. "As you wish, darling..." Lucifer leaned down and kissed her gently, then strode out of the library.

    xxxx

    Chaya was in the Hall of Kings, a long hallway full of portraits of past kings and their families. She was staring at one of their own family, painted when she was barely five years old. Lucifer walked to her side.

    "Your hair was still colored back then." Lucifer remarked.

    Chaya looked at her white locks, which flowed over her shoulders like water. "And who's fault is it that it is no longer red? I think it was the person who hit me with that spell during his training..."

    Lucifer flushed. "I know, I know...but I've sought you out for advice. Palesa and I-"

    "I'm a Seer, Lu. I know." Chaya replied, turning to face him. "Erebus is a fine name for him...but last night...I was given a prophecy....brother, it tells of a mass murder. Of our family."

    Lucifer's eyes widened. "Out with it, then!"

    Chaya sighed and began to recite:

    "In his fathers footsteps
    He does not walk.
    With a just mind and brave heart
    He leads them to a brighter day.
    But a traitor lurks within his ranks,
    An ally thought to be bold and true.

    On the day marking the first year of the fourth heir
    He will strike
    Slaughtered like cattle
    Only five survive.
    Two are fed lies and used as tools.
    Two left to dream and struggle
    And one to watch, to wait.

    Only when do four return
    Hand-in-hand, side-by-side
    Will the people at last be saved."


    Lucifer stared at Chaya. "What does it mean?"

    "You will bring happiness to Witchery. Palesa will carry four children in all. And on the first birthday of your youngest child, someone very close to you will murder the entire royal family. Five out of our family will escape, and only when four of them return together will our country be saved." Chaya told him.

    "Who do you think the five shall be?" Lucifer asked.

    "I can not say...but I do know this: Palesa and yourself will not be among them." Chaya told him.