Years ago, a pact was made between a being on the edge of immortality and those who had already crossed that threshold.
The agreement placed limits on Astaroth's growth, in exchange for a promise—should the threat of complete extinction ever loom over him or his kind, the divine ones would intervene to protect him.
It was a deal where both sides gained something. For Astaroth, it was a guarantee: no matter what horrors emerged from the other side, he would survive. For the divine ones, it was peace of mind. A creature as twisted as him would never join their ranks.
Astaroth's influence had already grown terrifyingly vast. Had he reached higher realms, it would've been catastrophic.
So, by keeping him bound to this world, they secured themselves. And in return, he earned the ultimate shield.
"Hmm, this is unexpected," Austin said, his voice steady as he leaned against the windowsill, eyes tracing the sky beyond.
The silence that followed was broken by a quiet question.
