The narrative subtly entwines Smidge with Marcus, who is visibly enthralled by her charm. While they are not romantically entangled, the threads of attraction and subtle longing weave a silent dance around them. Marcus, caught in the invisible web of unspoken feelings, often orchestrates scenarios aimed at stirring the embers of jealousy within Smidge, signaling his veiled attempt to capture her attention and perhaps, her heart.

Smidge’s character, though not placed under the glaring spotlight of the main plot, is nevertheless integral to the unfolding tapestry of relationships and dynamics within the story. Each of her appearances adds nuance and depth to the narrative, offering readers glimpses of her professional commitment, the silent affection lighting Jared’s gaze, and the discreet dance of attraction playing out between her and Marcus.

Through the chapters, Smidge weaves in and out, contributing to the storyline with her presence, actions, and the subtle dynamics shared with the characters around her, ultimately serving as a vital supporting character whose role, while not at the forefront, is crucial in adding layers and subtle shades to the unfolding tale.

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Ella refers to Marcus as the King of Creepy. When she first meets him, he’s dressed as a jester at the Devil’s Ring Fight Club. He was a tall, handsome jester that was a strange mix of both playful and mischievous as he was dangerous.

He has an athletic build, and his entire being seems to scream predator with a body made for speed and agility.

Marcus is Jared’s seer.

He has feelings for Smidge, Jared’s assistant.

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Orthus, is a “hellbeast” like his brother, not to be confused with a “Hellhound”, which in this world is very different.

“HellHounds are wild, frenzied creatures that let blood lust dictate their actions and consume their minds. They are like adolescent pups with little control and have no host – a human body. Hellbeasts are bigger, meaner, far more deadly and they don’t get along with hellhounds.”

Jared sometimes calls his brother “Orth”.

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Jared Cerberus, drawing inspiration from the mythical Cerberus of Greek mythology, is an imposing figure intricately woven into the tapestry of The Hellbeast King series. Like his mythological counterpart, who stands guard at the Underworld’s gates preventing the deceased from fleeing, Jared emanates an aura of mystery and formidable power.

The original Cerberus, born to the monstrous duo Echidna and Typhon, is a creature of daunting physicality — characterized by three heads, a serpent tail, and a cluster of snakes emerging from various body parts. Jared embodies this myth, although not necessarily in physical form, perhaps more in spirit and essence, bearing a daunting presence that commands respect and instills fear.

In the unfolding narrative of The Hellbeast King series, Jared doesn’t merely exist as a background entity; he takes center stage with a storyline distinctly his own. He isn’t merely the offspring of mythical beings but a character with depth, nuances, and a unique destiny entwined with his Electus, Ella. This chosen individual, Ella, plays a pivotal role in Jared’s life, being the one destined to be by his side, marking a significant chapter in the saga.

Jared, also affectionately referred to as “J” by brother, is more than just a name in the series; he’s a living, breathing embodiment of myth, a character whose presence is as substantial as the shadows cast by the ancient tales of Greece. With a story that promises intrigue and complexity, Jared Cerberus is a character whose tale is waiting to unfold, bearing the weight of mythology and the fresh ink of new narratives.

In mythology, hell beasts are typically depicted as creatures originating from hell or another demonic or infernal dimension. They may be associated with darkness, evil, or chaos. These creatures often possess a terrifying and monstrous appearance designed to instill fear. They might have features commonly associated with demons, like horns, wings, fangs, or fiery eyes. Hell beasts are usually portrayed as extraordinarily powerful entities. They might possess supernatural strength, speed, durability, and various magical or psychic abilities. Often, hell beasts are depicted as having malevolent or destructive intentions, serving dark lords or acting on their own to create chaos and suffering.

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He was described in one book as a “dream dealer” but in Transfusion, we find out more about him.

Dante was what was known as a Drude, which was known as a malevolent, nocturnal demon whose specialty was the creation of nightmares.

They had a strong influence over a person’s dreams when their victims were asleep, and they could tap into that lucid state and take control. Of course, the nice ones would often prevent nightmares too and favour a more sexual experience from their ‘feeding’.

You see most Demons and Angels fed from the emotions of others and it wasn’t just as clear cut that all Angels were good and all Demons were bad. Not like a library full of history books would have you believe anyway. And Drudes were no exception for they fed from the emotions invoked by dreams, but more often than not a sexual high was just as strong as a fear induced one, or so I was told.

Dante was bald with a full black bear, cut close to his face and his thick neck joined even thicker muscles. His eyes were a light green color with a burst of hazel around the pupil that sometimes when he spoke to you and smiled, looked like flecks of illuminating honey.

Dante is a spy for hire. So while he is working for Lucius to protect Amelia during Transfusion, he also works for other people. In other words, anyone can hire him for his services as a spy.

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Amelia always saw him as an innocent human friend, a sweet artist but in fact, he’s a shifter.

Amelia at first thought Ben was a zombie, who snacks on dead flesh. But Dante calls him a shifter.
Later Ben explains to Amelia that he’s a flesh-eating demon. So not a zombie, but close.

Ben is a Manushya-Rakshasi demon, a shapeshifter of sorts. He has to eat to regenerate or he’ll get sick and the feeding lust takes hold.

His kind only eats the flesh of the dead, although the fresher the better.

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His wife is Leeassa.

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In an unexpected twist of fate, Pip entered his tumultuous world, initially intended as a mere diversion for the formidable beast. However, the dynamics of their interaction took an unforeseen turn. With a delicate blend of grace and indomitable spirit, Pip managed to soothe the tempestuous soul within Adam, ultimately taming the seemingly indomitable beast residing within him. In the whirlwind of their interactions, the strings of love subtly entwined around their hearts, crafting a tale of unexpected romance and deep connection.

On the surface, Adam presents himself as an individual who would seamlessly blend into a crowd of accountants, adorned with geeky glasses and exuding an aura of unassuming simplicity. Yet, beneath the veneer of his mundane appearance lies a tapestry of complexity and power. As the adage wisely cautions, appearances are often misleading, crafting illusions that veil the true depth and essence of a character. Adam is the embodiment of this wisdom, a character whose story unfolds with layers of mystery, power, and love, painting a canvas as intriguing as it is beautiful.

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Within the echoing chambers of hell, Asmodeus resides, ensconced in his formidable dominion. He doesn’t merely dwell in these fiery abysses; he reigns with an iron fist and an intoxicating allure, bearing the title of a Prince of Hell. Yet, he isn’t merely a royal; he personifies one of the most primal and compelling of human urges: lust.

Asmodeus is the living embodiment of carnal desire, a figure around whom the air crackles with tangible temptation and seduction. Every fiber of his being pulsates with the call of the flesh, making him not just a passive resident but an active, magnetic force within the realm of insatiable desires and unbridled passion.

As the Prince of Lust, he navigates through his domain with an allure that is impossible to resist, weaving a tapestry of seduction and desire that ensnares all who venture too close. This magnetic pull doesn’t just operate within the confines of hell; its whispers and echoes reverberate through the lives of his offspring, subtly influencing the narrative and the characters within.

Asmodeus, with his dark charm and dangerous allure, stands as a complex, multifaceted character within the storyline, his presence and legacy casting long, intriguing shadows that add depth and mystery to the unfolding tale. The silent call of lust, the irresistible pull of desires hidden deep within the heart, find their voice and visage in this enigmatic figure, making him a compelling addition to the saga’s rich tapestry of characters and themes.

The Origins of Asmodeus: The Demon of Wrath

The name Asmodeus, or Asmodai, is derived from the Avestan language of ancient Iran, meaning “wrath demon” (aesma-daeva). One of the earliest scriptural references to this name appears in the Book of Tobit, where Asmodeus is called Asmodaios. Later Jewish texts, like the Testament of Solomon (which I’ll discuss in a moment), connect Asmodeus with Aeshma, a Persian demon, illustrating how Persian mythology influenced Jewish lore. This connection intriguingly situates Dominic—who is also tied to Arsaces, a figure from Iranian history—within a shared cultural and mythological origin with Asmodeus.

Sarah and Asmodeus: A Love Story Across Heaven and Hell

The tale of Sarah and Asmodeus is one of forbidden love, transcending the realms of Heaven and Hell. While their story is briefly mentioned through their children—Dominic, Sophia, and Vincent—their deeper narrative has been present in Jewish scripture since around 300 BCE. The Book of Tobit offers us a glimpse into their connection, framing it within a larger story of faith, divine protection, and the complexities of demonology. This post is the third installment in my series on understanding Hell in Stephanie Hudson’s books, and part one of two exploring Asmodeus. Today, we’ll dive into Jewish texts that contain fascinating stories about Asmodeus.

The Book of Tobit: A Demon’s Love and Divine Intervention

The Book of Tobit recounts Asmodeus’ tragic relationship with Sarah, a human woman living in Ecbatana, an ancient city and the first capital of Iran. Asmodeus, consumed by jealousy, kills Sarah’s seven husbands on their wedding nights, preventing her from consummating her marriages. However, when Tobias, the son of Tobit, is next to marry Sarah, God sends the archangel Raphael to intervene. Raphael instructs Tobias to use the heart and liver of a fish from the Tigris River to ward off Asmodeus. The ritual works, Asmodeus is driven away, and Sarah and Tobias finally wed.

But Asmodeus’ story doesn’t end there. In one particularly bizarre twist, Tobit, Tobias’ father, goes blind when birds defecate in his eyes, only to later be cured by the same fish’s gall bladder. This blend of the supernatural and the absurd is typical of ancient storytelling, and yet it remains captivating.

Asmodeus and Raphael: An Eternal Rivalry

Asmodeus’ rivalry with Raphael intensifies in the Testament of Solomon, a text falsely attributed to the legendary King Solomon and dating to around the 1st century CE. The book, written in Greek, tells how Solomon built his famous temple by controlling demons with a magical ring. Asmodeus, summoned by Solomon, is described as a demon associated with sexuality, particularly noted for disrupting marriages and “estranging virgins.” Drawing on the Book of Tobit, Solomon learns that Raphael can neutralize Asmodeus. With this knowledge, Solomon forces Asmodeus to assist in constructing the temple.

The Haggadah: A King of Demons and the Shamir Worm

Another Jewish text, the Haggadah, written around 170 CE, refers to a demon named Ashmedai, widely considered to be another form of Asmodeus. The Haggadah describes how Solomon, struggling to shape the marble for his temple without violating a religious ban on using iron tools, turns to Ashmedai for help. Ashmedai reveals the location of the shamir, a mythical worm capable of cutting through stone. After reluctantly aiding Solomon, Ashmedai tricks him into giving up his magical ring and temporarily usurps Solomon’s throne. This clever, kingly demon who aids in temple-building while seeking power echoes Asmodeus’ later depiction as a “King of Demons.”

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Yvonne Dubeck was an Ego Vereor Demon. She was small-framed, a thin woman with half-moon glasses resting on her long beak-like nose. She wore her hair pulled back into a tight bun. She was pale and her mousey colored hair did nothing for the grey strands showing through.

She was working as a Librarian and was instantly attracted to George because she could detect his grief.

Her name was Yvonne Dubeck and Draven told me that she was called an Ego Vereor Everto, meaning ‘Self Fear Demon’ in Latin. She liked to feed from the negative emotions caused by paranoia. She would gradually gain the trust of these poor unsuspecting humans by befriending them and then little by little she would implant delusions of what people feared the most.

In George’s case, it was Alien abductions. He soon became obsessed that he had been abducted numerous times and was living in fear until his next abduction. In the end he became a recluse and lived in the woods like a hermit.

The only person he would see was Yvonne as he never got abducted when she was around. She would get stronger every second she was with him, but because he was a strong character, he would fight back getting better when not in her presence. Of course, she would not allow this to happen for long. In the end, she got the ultimate high when his paranoia got too much one day and he took his own life which unfortunately happened before Draven could intervene.

Draven had been too late to save George and Yvonne disappeared before her punishment could be inflicted.

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