Astarte, Azazel's mother, stepped forward, her eyes flashing with warning.
"Ba'al, do not push him too hard. He is still young."
Ba'al's gaze narrowed.
"The underworld has no room for weakness, Astarte. Our son must be strong."
Azazel's tiny fists clenched.
"I will not disappoint you, Father."
*The Fall of Ba'al*
Azazel watched in horror as his father, Ba'al, clashed with the heavenly forces.
The battle raged, lightning illuminating the dark skies.
Ba'al's roar echoed through the underworld.
"Azazel, flee! Protect your mother!"
As Azazel turned to obey, a blinding light enveloped Ba'al.
The underworld shook, and Azazel's father vanished.
*Azazel's Ascension*
Astarte's tears fell like diamonds as she gazed upon Azazel.
"You are the rightful king, my son," she whispered. "Claim your throne."
Azazel's jaw set, determination burning within.
"I will not fail, Mother."
With Astarte by his side, Azazel marched toward the underworld's throne.
The demonic lords parted, acknowledging their new ruler.
*The Prophecy*
In the shadows, a hooded figure spoke in hushed tones.
"A mortal will tempt Azazel's heart," the figure whispered. "A woman, pure of heart and strong of spirit."
Astarte's eyes narrowed.
"We will watch for her, and prepare."
Azazel's gaze darkened.
"I will not be swayed."
-
------------------------
Memories_
Lilith's eyes drifted shut, and she was transported back to a warm summer evening.
Sophia, her mother, laughed as she chased a young Lilith through the backyard. The sunlight danced through the trees, casting dappled shadows.
"Lilith, catch me!" Sophia called, her voice musical.
Lilith's father, Gabriel, sat on the porch, watching with a gentle smile.
"Sophia, be careful," he cautioned, his eyes crinkling.
Sophia scooped up Lilith, twirling her around.
"I'll always catch you, baby girl," Sophia whispered.
Gabriel's gaze met Sophia's, and Lilith saw the love shining between them.
_The Accident_
The scene shifted, and Lilith's world shattered.
A car crash. Screeching tires. Shattered glass.
Lilith's scream echoed through the night.
Sophia's hand slipped from hers.
"Mommy!" Lilith wailed.
Gabriel's voice faded into silence.
_Lilith's Wake-Up_
Lilith's eyes snapped open, tears streaming down her face.
The memory still haunted her.
The loneliness stung anew.
She rose, wiping away tears.
The city outside seemed colder, darker.
Lilith's heart remained frozen, locked in the past.
_Lilith's Apartment_
Lilith stared out the grimy window, the city's neon lights blurring together. Her reflection stared back, a hollow echo of a life unlived.
She turned, surveying the cramped space. Empty pizza boxes and worn-out books littered the floor. The couch, once a vibrant red, now faded to a dull pink.
Lilith's gaze settled on a lone photograph. Her mother, Sophia, smiled brightly, arms wrapped around a young Lilith. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the hum of the refrigerator.
_Lilith's Journal_
Lilith's pen scratched across the page.
"Day 365. Still alone. Still waiting."
She ripped out the page, crumpling it into a tight ball.
_Lilith's Night_
Lilith wandered the city streets, lost in the crowd. Faces blurred together, anonymous and uncaring.
She stopped at a street performer's corner, watching as he played a haunting melody on his guitar. His eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, Lilith felt seen.
But the moment passed, and she continued, disappearing into the night.