“Welcome to this year’s Gauntlet. We have a few changes. First of all, as you might have noticed, we have some monitors set up sporadically around the campus and around Nova, so those here can watch the Gauntlet. While in other cities, it will be broadcast in their own respective areas,” he explains, indicating a few of the monitors I saw earlier.
Damn, how big a deal is this thing?
“There’s a lot of royalty in this year’s Gauntlet, so I’m sure that has a big pull in wanting to witness this. This isn’t normal,” JP leans in to whisper in my ear. Another chill runs down my back at his information.Well, shit.
“I know you are all anxious to start, but I have been asked to allow one of our gracious sponsors to make a personal announcement before we start. And how could I say no to my wonderful friends? Please give your attention and welcome L.A.M.B. to the stage,” Dean Cauldron announces, and the crowd goes wild.
It’s a mixture within the audience of fascination, awe, and terrified wonder as the group walks up the stage. They are in their full demon forms, and knowing they can control it on this plane, it’s for show. Bez is completely shirtless, showing off the tattoo of their name and skull across his chest, his pants riding low, and his machete in Tormeth’s skin sheath attached to his back. Astaroth’s hair floats around his shoulders and wraps around his open shirt as his tail whips back and forth, making small thunderous booms. They don’t overshadow the noise, but if you know what you’re listening for, you know it’s his tail.
Murmur’s permanent smirk gives off aloof, don’t-give-a-care, but it’s his eyes that are penetrating, scanning the crowd as they walk. He’s always searching, even as he causally fixes his black leather jacket. Lucy is the one who’s the easiest to read now. It’s when he doesn’t move that he tells you everything. When he’s still, that’s when he’s trying to show you he’s the calm, cool, and collected one. That nothing bothers him.
I can’t believe it took me so long to figure him out. It’s the smallest things you have to look for. Like that slight flick in his left eye that shows the tension he feels.
Caught ya.
Lucy takes center stage behind the podium, and the rest of L.A.M.B. spreads behind him while the crowd still claps and cheers.
“Thank you, Dean Caldron,” he says, nodding at Matthew. Once he turns to face the audience, he raises his hand and snaps his fingers. A boom sounds, and a shockwave flows out from the stage, silencing everyone. I immediately focus on Astaroth and narrow my eyes on my old weapons instructor, giving him a hard time for the unnecessary display of power. He must feel my eyes on him because he meets my gaze and winks.
Those sneaky bastards.
“I want to take a moment to share with you all a very important time in our lives as the Leaders of Hell. L.A.M.B., and especially myself, want to name our benefactors and heirs. As of this moment, my son and daughter are the true and rightful heirs of Hell, and I want you to meet them today.”
My jaw hits the floor as JP walks forward and takes Moni’s hand.
Holy Shit. How did I not know about this?
Moni, sporting a pastel yellow, holds her head up high while she floats next to JP, as they join Lucy and the rest of L.A.M.B. up on stage, and the crowd bursts into applause.
“Go, Moni!” I scream. “I know her!”
“Woo Hoo!” Lynx yells.
“That’s my man!” Zeke cheers.
I can’t help but get teary-eyed seeing them stand tall as Lucifer pulls them in and gives each of them a hug and says something to each of them before they leave his side.
“They shall be treated with respect as if they are already sitting on the thrones with their respective mates.” He pauses and looks in our direction. Something off to the side flickers, and I glance over to seemeand my group on the fucking TV screens!Aww, shit! Okay, Rez. Stay cool, don’t act a fool.
‘Look, Rez! We’re on TV,’Lynx says, doing hip thrusts for the unseen camera, wherever it’s at.
‘Lynx! Stop it!’I reach out and grab him, but it’s too late; people are already laughing at him, and I’m praying for the ground to open up and swallow me.
“Well…” Lucy pauses again, “Maybe not that one.” I whip around to face the stage so fast that I know I’m going to have whiplash, just in time to see the Hellfire hurling at Lynx.
I reach out and catch it with my left arm, before willing it across my body and up into the air, where Bez easily disperses it with a thought and gives me a proud papa look. Which, for him, is a raised eyebrow, but it did gain the effect I’m sure they were looking for. The crowd’s laughter hushes, turning to awe and shock.
“Like I was saying, give them the respect they deserve as the future rulers of Hell. If you did not learn during the meet-and-greet, my domain will be one of your stops. As a host, we wish you good bloodshed and slaying.”
As L.A.M.B. walks off the stage, the crowd is shocked speechless, and I slap my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing at the entire thing. He did not just say that. Who wishes someone a good slaying?
“Saddle up, buttercups, and tighten those sphincters, cause we have a one-way ticket to Hell!” JP says, hiding a smile.
“Why are you thinking about anyone else’s backside other than mine, sir?” Zeke asks, playfully smacking JP’s arm before turning to me and whispering in my ear. “Did L.A.M.B. and JP just say that?” he asks for confirmation.
All I can do is look at him and nod, and he looks at my covered face and mumbles “unbelievable” before shooting a smirk at JP and kissing him.
“Thank you so much, L.A.M.B., and congratulations to the new Heirs of Hell,” Dean Caldron exclaims, clapping and getting the crowd involved again.
