Cole and I stood in the middle of the white circle. Smoke seemed to caress our feet while only remaining in the circle. We stood side by side waiting for why the Triad had summoned us.
They were a strange triumvirate. The only time they were ever seen were around the circle me and Cole were standing in, always in their blood red robes. They may as well have been ruling the underworld since they were seen more than the Source. The Source, however, did rule and the Triad acted as his second in command. I had never been before the Triad before but I knew that Cole had since he used to be a member of the Brotherhood of the Thorn, that and he was the best assassin there was. Cole had become famous as Balthazar for killing witches but barely anyone knew of me which served as a good advantage for us. On occasion I would help Cole on his missions but since it was so rare I hadn't built a reputation.
"Balthazar, your recent successes have proved you worthy enough to try where others have failed..." one of the robed figures complimented, I think it was a compliment anyway.
"Your mission is to destroy the Charmed Ones." Another one continued. The Charmed Ones, they were the three most powerful witches in the world, good witches, I knew my brother was good but even I wasn't sure he was that good. Though I was concerned I kept my face expressionless, I wasn't stupid enough to give anyone a chance to critise me for my human side. I felt and saw from the corner of my Cole stiffen but I couldn't see any other outward changes that showed his concerns.
"If you chose to accept the mission you will have full access to all the information your... predecessors have gathered," the last one said. I could almost hear the smirk and threat in his voice. Cole couldn't decline the mission; they would kill him if he did.
"Am I supposed to help him then?" I snapped a really bad habit that I did whenever I was worried or angry. I winced internally at showing disrespect to the Triad.
"No," the first one explained with anger clearly in his voice but trying to remain calm. "You will be going to the hell mouth and making sure no one takes control of it." I was shocked; I was going to the hell mouth, the mouth of hell, the Boca Del Infierno. I couldn't help but notice that he wasn't even pretending I had a choice. "The Source thought you would be better at blending in with the mortals." I could almost hear the glee at the dig to my human side. I narrowed my eyes in anger.
"And how the hell am I supposed to do that?" I shouted in annoyance. Not a good idea when talking to three powerful demons who control most of the underworld but I was mad. All I got in reply was two simple words that were said by the three of them in unison like they were one being.
"The Slayer."