The Vow to New Heaven
As Sophie and Thomas caught up the kind of reunion that nothing could break Luke moved among the militia, greeting each member with easy hospitality. They returned the gesture warmly.
Eve's voice cut in. "Thomas… did you really free the city of Eden?"
Thomas smiled. "It wasn't just me. My friend Luke played a major part. And the power inside me… it helped secure the victory."
A hush of awe settled over the room. Ace turned to Luke. "Is this true?"
"With conviction," Luke replied. "Every word of it."
Thomas nodded toward him. "We're going to do the same for every city under siege. That's my promise."
Blaze stepped forward, offering his hand. Thomas shook it firmly.
"Glad to have you on our side," Blaze said.
Thomas smiled — then his expression shifted. "Something's been bothering me. Where's Edwin?"
Sophie lowered her gaze. "He was kidnapped. Taken to a place we don't know."
Thomas froze. My little brother? He steadied his voice. "By who?"
Blaze answered, "We're not sure — but we think it's a demon."
"Where is he?" Thomas's tone hardened.
"We don't know," Sophie admitted, but Blazee added, "The Demon Prince gave us a location. A city called New Heaven."
Luke frowned. "Never heard of it."
"I haven't either," Ice said.
Across the room, Sophie noticed Eve's eyes lingering on Thomas with a sparkle that was more than casual interest.
The demon man cleared his throat. "Hate to break this up, but remember — you're all still wanted criminals. Best if we head inside."
Blaze and Luke agreed, and the group filed back into his house.
Inside, the demon spoke again. "Now that the gang's almost back together… you're still missing one key member."
Thomas nodded. "Edwin. We need to find him."
Ace glanced toward the window. "And the two armies outside our city? What about them?"
Ice shrugged. "Who knows if — or when — they'll attack?"
"If we leave, who's here to defend?" Ace pressed.
The demon raised his slither tail. "If I may — you need Edwin. He plays a huge role for humanity."
Luke's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"It's true — Thomas is a force of nature," the demon said. "But I fear he's not strong enough for the Lord of Sloth."
Silence. Sophie's voice flared with anger. "You've doubted him at every step. He's destroyed a legion, and you still doubt?"
The demon nodded. "True. But one thing about me, Thomas — I don't lie. I don't know why, but my instincts scream at me to help you. Maybe it's the human part of me…" He laughed softly to himself.
Blaze added, "Your brother's power is untamed and mighty. He took down a high-ranking demon in his first fight."
Thomas turned to him, stunned. "Edwin… has a soul too?"
Ice stepped in. "He trained on his own — mastered his skills fast. With you beside him, we could end this invasion."
Thomas's expression stayed unreadable, but his body language was with Ice and Blaze.
Luke spoke evenly. "If the demon army was going to attack, they'd have done it already. Maybe Edwin is the last piece we need."
"Thanks, Luke," Thomas said. He straightened. "Where is my brother?"
The demon's eyes gleamed. "I can help you with that."
---
A sudden pounding on the door.
Perfect City Police! Open up! The battering grew louder.
Ice peered through the window. "Damn. A lot of them."
"Quick!" the demon ordered. "Follow me."
They bolted upstairs as the front door crashed open. Police! Get down!
On the roof, they sprinted across to a nearby tree, leaping to catch branches and soften their fall. Thomas lingered at the edge.
"Come on!" he urged.
The demon shook his head. "I'll buy you time. Edwin's in New Heaven" the demon throw thomas a map. — but beware. It's Lucifer's city."
Thomas's eyes narrowed. "Lucifer?"
"Go!" the demon barked.
The rooftop door burst open — SWAT rifles trained. Thomas jumped just as the shooting started, weaving through the treetops to rejoin the others. Behind him, the demon charged the officers, grappling in a brutal clash before falling under their gunfire.
---
They regrouped in a man‑made park.
"Quick — to the woods!" Blaze shouted.
"I know a tunnel nearby," Luke called.
As they ran, Thomas said, "Luke — we're going to New Heaven City."
Blaze's voice was iron. "We're coming. Edwin's our comrade."
Thomas nodded. "Glad you're with me. We're going to be a force to be reckoned with."