Mila places a black-sealed report on the war table. The reporting agent identifies an independent power in Hell known as Hezezul. The agent reports that Hezezul and Malrec are long time enemies with neither of their armies capable of overtaking the other for centuries.
Mila
My lord, this power is known as Hezezul, a powerful devil with godlike abilities. The reporting agent can provide a discreet contact with Hezezul, and offer terms of a possible alliance in terms of shared intelligence gathering, and even battlefield support.
Gabriella stands ready beside Kael, silver sword at her side. Raye, Rose, Selma, and Aurora study the report while the candle flames bend toward its seal.
Kael Umal
We establish contact with Hezezul. Hezezul will spy on Malrec and strike Malrec in hell if war comes. If Malrec's armies march, the women of Bliss and Adorare’s angels will defend the realm while Gabriella and I lead an elite force against Malrec himself.
General Raye
Then I will marshal the women of Bliss and coordinate with Adorare’s angels. Our forces must hold while your strike force reaches its target.
Aurora
A temporary alliance with evil remains perilous, but it is a necessary evil. The strategy is sound. If Malrec's devils attack, we will slay them before they reach the gates of Bliss. My lord, you will slay Malrec and Hezezul will send his forces to capture Malrec's territories.
Kael nods at Mila for her to send her agents to establish contact with Hezezul. With the strategy agreed upon, the commanders head out of the war room for the necessary preparations.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Hezezul's agreement to attack Malrec's forces.
“The alliance that Kael did not want with Malrec he is forced to make with Hezezul. Gabriella feels guilty, believing the conflict is essentially over her. Kael tells her that the conflict was inevitable. Malrec is simply marked for death and Kael is a killer of gods.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Gabriella remains beside the war table, her fingers tightening around the silver sword’s hilt. The candlelight catches the uncertainty in her white wings.
Gabriella
My lord, if Malrec’s wrath comes because of me, then I have brought war to your household. I am sorry.
Kael’s Shadow-Court Insight reads the room’s hidden pressures: Raye calculates armies, Mila weighs secrets, and Gabriella mistakes Malrec’s choice for her guilt. His will steadies against every doubt.
Kael Umal
Gabriella, this conflict was inevitable. Malrec is simply marked for death, and I am a killer of gods.
The words settle without spectacle. Gabriella’s shoulders ease, and the guilt in her expression gives way to solemn acceptance rather than self-blame.
Gabriella
Then I will stand beside you without mourning a war I did not cause. I will help protect what you have built.
Around the table, the alliance with Hezezul becomes a chosen safeguard rather than a surrender. The commanders return to their preparations with clearer purpose.