The time was at hand. For too long, Phoencia had been without a true ruler. With the disappearance of Dagon Grim, the powers had been jockeying for the throne. Each power that seemed to ascend to the throne was similarly eliminated. None of the powers wanted to acknowledge that there was a heir. An heir willing to do what it took to hold onto the power.

In time the Demon Lords accepted her efforts. She had spent many years working towards their goals, all the while cementing her own power. None could dispute that she was ready. Phoencia was hers by right and by might. Now would be the proof she was truly ready to step into her sire?s shoes.

She stood before the Demon Lords at the appointed hour. He mortal seeming had been replaced with her true self. Her offspring were in attendance as part of their education. Even the young half-demon that protected her daughter was bade to watch and see.

She accepted the pain as a clawed hand laid her abdomen open again. There was no reaction as those wound quickly healed and left four lines across her stomach, where there had been three previously.

And the power that was released to announce her ascension was all too sweet to those of the darkness. It called and tempted those with a mind to answer and follow. It also sickened and repulsed those of the light.

The Gathering had begun?