The woman's violet eyes stared everyone down as she placed her hands on her hips. “The devils have graced us with another Vestimortis! Unfortunately, the chosen sector to be dismissed from the event is the Aulisae.” She sniffed in disappointment.

“As always, one representative would be chosen from each other’s sect. They would be paired up to complete seven tasks within a time limit of twelve days. You will all wear a necklace as your timer and your transportation in and out of the realm. Each task is formulated to fit your strengths and your weaknesses. Keep a close eye on them if you want to win in the Matrimortem.” She winked.

The Matrimortem. At the word, Ira could already feel herself jumping in anticipation. If she were to be selected in the Vestimortis, the Matrimortem would be the next event she and her partner would have to partake–it was a battle to the death, a symbolic union to decide what sin their descendant would take after. It was a test of strength, a hand of glory, and it was something every faerie wanted to partake in. The devils will be watching, and they will carve another faerie under the bloodline of the winner. This was why the Prihans took pride in their skills, given that they had the largest population compared to the other faeries, meaning, their winning streak was almost unbeatable. 

“We all stand here not as rivals in these processes but as allies.  The Vestimortis and the Matrimortem would help us build a stronger generation of fae. We will become the greatest soldiers the devils had ever seen before and one day when we face God–!” Silence cut through the air at the mention of the Holy One’s name. It was the news everyone was aware of–there’d be war, and all these, the purpose of their creation was for them to be the devils’ soldiers. The lady still wasn’t done as she whipped up her dagger from her sleeve, raising it high enough so that everyone could see.  “He will fall like he had pushed down Lucifer centuries ago! This is the reason why we exist! We are the fae, the sins of the earth, the sins that have been conjured from Pandora’s box, and one day we will conquer!” 

Everyone jeered, raising their weapons in the air. Ira did the same thing, spinning her knife up in the air as if she was an acrobat set to kill. This was all they lived for–to bring heaven down to its knees. Every Initium knew his job, whether entered into the Vestimortis or not, and that was to spread his sin into the deepest roots of the worlds the Holy One had brought into being. 

The announcer placed her hand on her hips. “But for now,” she started, smirking. “The fittest shall survive!” 

It was time.