All further conversation was silenced by the appearance of a female demon in armor. She had dark blue skin, a mass of red snakes growing from her scalp instead of hair, and bat wings the color of fresh blood. From the look on her face, she'd had a rough night.
"Good morning, Alecto," Lilith smiled.
"I could use a good morning after last night," Alecto groaned. "The army's been combing Hell for the Iron Knights since last evening's party ended. And guess what we have to show for it? A whole lot of nothing!" Alecto stabbed a mustached soul tree with her spear in frustration. "Sorry not sorry, Stalin."
"Rachel, meet my sister General Alecto Morningstar," said Maisy. "Besides being a princess of Hell, she's one of Commander Baal's most trusted generals."
"Sorry if she seems a little grouchy," laughed Enoch. "Her job's pretty stressful."
"Especially right now," Alecto sighed, setting down her shield and spear before sitting down. "I just wanted to crumble into ash when I heard that Rev. Cromwell escaped from prison!"
"I know the feeling," Lucifer groaned.
"You know, the only reason the Iron Knights are here is because one of them has a grudge against Rachel and her mother," Lamashtu mused. "If we were to turn them over to..." Lamashtu never got to finish her sentence before Maisy slapped her.
"NEVER SUGGEST SOMETHING LIKE THAT AGAIN!!!" Maisy thundered.
"I don't think it would be much use anyway," said Alecto. "Now that they're here, I can't see them stopping at killing two newbies to court. This is the first time Iron Knights have gotten down to the Ninth Circle in 727 years. They won't leave until they've at least killed a duke or something."
"Whatever," Lamasgtu grumbled.
"So, I heard Parthenope is coming down to protect Rachel," Alecto grinned.
"Quite right," Lucifer nodded. "We need the legendary Joan of Arc right now."
"I know it's probably unpatriotic, but I've always wanted to meet her," Alecto said. "Women warriors gotta stick together, angel or demon."
"It's fine, Alecto," Lucifer said. "I personally think the rivalry between angels and demons is silly. It's the stubborn old nobles who drive the lingering traces of hostility."
"Thanks, because I really want to be friends with Parthenope," Alecto said as she filled her plate.