Hasstor’s face settled into an amused grin. “Lucifer did not provide me with a timeline, but neither did he convey the sense his fears were imminent. I believe he is simply being cautious, for even he does not know the full extent of what his and God’s forces face.”

That was encouraging. Nothing like saving the Earth only to find out the rest of the universe is on the verge of obliteration. How Douglas Adams. All I needed was a towel and a fish to shove up my ass. Right then, I almost wished Xyx had brought me here to be executed. It certainly would have saved me a bunch of stress. “Was there anything else Uncle Lou wanted passed on, like maybe asking how his beloved nephew is doing? Anything non-apocalyptic like that?”

“The tome and the warning were all he sent.”

Never any love for poor old Frank. Maybe I was just deluded, thinking I was more important to my uncle than I really was. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised, though. You don’t earn the title the Father of Lies by being honest. It still sucked, but that’s what I get for thinking I’m special.

“It is time for me to leave, Triggaltheron. Xyx waits to aid my return to our world, but Jonas Black and Ethan White will remain. They will report on Earth’s progress and yours as well.” He held out a green gem wrapped in a strange, shifting, gray metal that looked almost liquid. “This is a summoning stone. With it close by, you can call them to you should you need their assistance or necessity demands you forward a message to Lucifer.”

I didn’t think that was likely as I took the gem, but I could imagine a few scenarios where being able to summon a couple of Black and White targets to take the heat off my back would be nice. As I was thinking that, a subtle hint of power rippled against my senses. Hasstor drew on his magic, and the fog danced chaotic at his feet.