Page 32 of Another Underworld

She’d been quiet for a while. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, but I was curious what was going on in her mind. Asking her would be moot. She’d just sling insults and be the bitch that she was. The pro of her not speaking was that I wasn’t tempted to electrocute her. The con… well, there were tons of cons. I really didn’t want to dig too deep.

“What’s absurd?” I questioned.

“You will never get respect bending to your peoples’ whims,” she informed me. “You’re the Goddess, not their friend. They should be terrified of you. I ruled with fear. No one dared to cross me. If they did, they died. You’re letting them walk all over you. It’s pathetic. You’re just like Lilith.”

“Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Wasn’t meant as one,” she shot back. A sneer marred her pretty face.

“Yep. I’m aware of that.”

She was frustrated, and her tone was one that an adult would use with an unruly child. That wasn’t working for me.

“I’m telling you,” she ground out. “Rule with fear. It’s the only way.”

I looked at the once-powerful Goddess and shook my head. “And how did that work out for you?” Before she could say something even more stupid, I turned my back on her and made my way to my people.

Deep down, I believe Pandora was trying to help me, but in this matter, she was the one who needed help. The Darkness wasn’t a democracy. By nature, it was a hierarchy. The rulers were born to the position, not voted onto the thrones. That wasn’t going to change any time soon, but Pandora’s methods had been Machiavellian—ruthless, manipulative, and completely self-serving. Lilith, on the other hand, had been beloved as a Goddess. While she had ruled with a firm hand, sheled with a compassionate heart, and as a result, her subjects had been devoted to her for millions of years.

I would follow in my mother’s footsteps with pride. Pandora could get on board with the new kinder, gentler way of ruling, or she could eat shit.

The Demons had gathered in rows. The first row was seated, second on their knees, the third stood. It was a big group. I hoped I wasn’t about to hear three thousand name suggestions for the false God. We didn’t have time for that.

“Okay, my people,” I said, scanning the goofy smiles on their faces. Both the men and women looked like excited kids. The healing fruit had done wonders. “I think I’m ready to hear this… but… I’m not sure. Is it something I’m going to need therapy for after listening?”

The laughs made me smile. The nodding heads made me itchy. Didn’t matter. We’d told dick jokes before battle, and I’d learned more names for a vibrator than I’d ever known existed. I was confident I was in for some more dick euphemisms, but I was going to be a good sport. Happy warriors were loyal warriors. It was my job to take care of my people. This was an odd way to do it, but when in the Darkness…

Tiny was the dude in charge. The Demon was well-liked and respected. I made a mental note to give him a position in my inner circle. Tiny felt like a good fit. He lined up ten exuberant Demons—five men and five women. All the rest of the massive crown leaned forward in anticipation.

“This is nuts,” I whispered to Abaddon who stood by my side. “Like totally insane.”

The love of my demonic life winked at me. “The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success.”

“Bruce Feirstein.”

“Correct,” he told me. “And so far, so good on the success part.”

I preened. I didn’t need his approval, but it felt glorious to receive it.

“I hope it lasts.”

He lightly touched my cheek. Tingles shot through my body. “I don’t hope. I know, Bitch Goddess Cecily.”

My instinct was to kiss him silly. However, now was not the time or place.

“Are you ready, my Goddess?” Tiny called out.

“Nope, but that’s never stopped me. Lemme hear the new names for the false God.”

“Hello, Bitch Goddess Cecily. My name is Margizon.” The stunning Demon bowed deeply then stood back up with her hands clasped tightly together. “I would like to suggest that the false God be christened… Colossal Cock!”

I threw my head back and laughed. The badass and deadly Demon’s squealed with delight. The entire scene was surreal, but it was also all kinds of right.

“Thank you, Margizon. I shall take it into consideration. Next?”

A seven-foot-tall gentleman was up to bat. “My Goddess,” he said, bowing. “My given name is Moggekan, but I go by Shorty. I’m quite fond of oxymorons.”

“Word,” I told him with a thumbs up. “What do you have for me, Shorty?”

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