CelineMeeting my biological father, the literal king of the underworld was nothing like I thought it would be. The bright side is that I knew why he gave me up, and I have closure on it. He sacrificed being in my life just to keep me safe. But on the other hand, I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he watched Rosalind, my mum, kill herself and do nothing about it. Did they not say love is sacrifice? Could the king of the underworld not risk chaos in the whole of Olympia, just to save the woman he loved from killing herself and putting me in that horrid family?But was it not also love, to sacrifice one love for another love? Was it not love when I sacrificed staying and convincing Kaiden to choose to love me instead of honoring his sister? Was it not love when I struggled to protect him from ultimately building resentment up in himself for himself?Was it not love when Niel sacrificed his and Mika’s safety just for my freedom?Was that not the point of it?I pushed the thoug
KaidenWith Damon’s help, I headed back to the palace with only the hope that I could ever forgive myself for all that had happened. I may be living, but I felt like nothing but dead inside, with no will to live on.“You need to be a king, Kaiden. You need to find a reason to get up every morning, for the people who died.”I had to prove to my child I never met that I was not a bad father. If I knew she was going to fall… if I knew she was so scared of her life here that it ultimately led to her death… I would have done things differently. Now I had to spend the rest of my life wishing and wishing that I did things differently. It was not enough punishment for what I had caused. The pain was not enough punishment, even the barbaric ritual wasn't enough pain. I needed something to punish me for the things I had caused because I would drive myself crazy with guilt. As soon as the doors to my chambers, Sheila leaped up from where she was seated and ran to me, her eyes filled with unsh
Celine“Could you explain to me how hell works? Is it every soul who dies that ends up here?” Evelyn looked up in shock as she was expecting me to say anything since I shut them out hours ago, but my curiosity had taken the best of me, I wanted to know and I was in no mood to ask Hades. Bridgette and Penny gave us their attention as Evelyn cleared her throat, putting down the yarn and wool she was working on. She studied me for a moment as if deciding how much she should reveal. Then, with a sigh, she clasped her hands together and leaned forward.“No, not every soul ends up here,” Evelyn began. “Hell isn’t just a pit where the damned are thrown. It’s… layered, stand ructured. A place of consequence.”Bridgette and Penny exchanged glances but remained silent, allowing Evelyn to continue.“The souls that come here either belong to those who have done unspeakable things in life, those who owe a debt to the gods, or those who have unfinished business.” She glanced at Bridgette and Pen
DamonThe drop of blood on Sheila’s collar was too small for anyone to see, even the King if he was in his right mind. However, I spent most of my life training to see what others would not see because it was my fate to protect the king. Protecting the king was my priority in life, followed by my interests.So the drop couldn't just get past me. The scariest part? It was dried blood. And there was no way an injury she had could give her such a small amount of blood.This led me to remember that night I saw her after dark in the yard with a dark figure, I figured was the witch I trusted with nothing. I wouldn't have believed that she was right about Celine if she wasn't right about her location and my men didn't see blood flow in the waters just after her screams.I paused in my urgent steps in the middle of the cold hall, my heart plummeting to the ground as my breath seized in my throat.No… could it? No.I suggested Sheila as the queen because of the intensive background check I con
Celine“Oh my goddess!” I screamed as the demons walked into the room, my whole body vibrating, almost as if I had no idea demons lived in hell, and I'd been in it for hours. Evelyn jumped to my side, griping my shoulders as I backed away from them, scrambling away to a hiding place. “Please calm down, Your Majesty! They are here to protect you, not harm you! King Hades sent them for your protection!”I barely registered Evelyn’s words over the hammering of my heart. My breath came in short, sharp gasps as I pressed my back against the wall, my limbs trembling uncontrollably.The demons stood at the door, their eyes filled with eerie stillness and coldness as their towering figures claimed the space of the room. Their claws were long and sharp, skin blacker than coal, limbs an unnatural amount, and sharp horns on their heads. I clenched my hands into fists, trying to keep them from shaking, but my body refused to listen. My entire being screamed at me to run, to get as far away fro
Chapter 76CelineI could not believe my eyes or my ears as i ran to the direction of the voice that haunted me for five years as i suffered in humiliation and labor from my former best friend turned enemy.I could not believe that the reason my whole life turned apart, and my own mate hated me, was down here in hell, suffering. And now, she was here. Chained. Filthy. Beaten down by the same darkness she once used to destroy me.I should have felt satisfied. I should have felt like justice had finally been served. But instead, all I felt was anger.I stormed away from the demons and towards the ones who tortured Anya, ignoring the sounds of Evelyn and Bridgette behind me. I had a million things to say to her. I wanted to ask her why she hated me so much. Why she had to destroy my life even if it meant losing hers? I wanted to know if she was happy i lost everything. Many nights, I fought with her in my head.Why was i never good enough for you? Why did you think i didn't deserve Kaide
CelineI twirled the ring on my finger, feeling the smooth metal as my mind raced with numerous thoughts. I didn't find Mika and Neil, which made me hopeful, but I couldn't stop thinking about things and my encounter with Anya. Could I fix things with Kaiden? Would this ring be my key to getting my family back? But what of Sheila? Did Kaidenn love her now? Was he searching for me for any other reason except his child? Was giving him this ring worth the risk of going back?We stopped at the door of the castle, Evelyn, Bridgett,e and Penny giving me tentative glances while the demons played with Arienne, turning out to be big babies after all.“Your Highness,” Bridgette spoke out in a small voice as I glared at the door. “Are you not going in?”Her question repeated in my mind. I may have judged Hades too fast, it seemed. Even when he was forbidden from contacting me in any way, he was still watching over me. He not only sent a knight who intervened when bad things happened but, he als
Sheila“Your highness, The pesky beta is beginning to suspect us sooner than you expected he would.”My hand stilled on the magazine I was flipping through, my jaw pausing on the fruit I had in my mouth. Well, I expected sooner or later Damon would figure something out. He had that annoying quality about him. I hated that quality. If he were to be by my side, I would have loved it.“What did he do, Mirena?” I continued browsing my magazine, enjoying the fruits as two maids gave me a pedicure and a foot massage. They were maids that Mirena spelled to forget whatever they heard going on here the minute they left because I decided killing everyone would spark curiousity. And I couldn’t afford that. I was so close to getting everything I wanted.Mirena moved from her position from the shadowed corner of my room and into my focus. “He followed me out into the woods last night. I think he’s beginning to realize something is going on, probably because of my extended stay.”I dropped the mag
CelineHades let out a weary sigh, his grip tightening slightly on my hand before he let it go, stepping back as if putting space between us would soften the truth he was about to tell me. The Dark Knight remained silent, his presence almost forgotten.I crossed my arms, my heart pounding. “Well?”Hades ran a hand down his face, his expression hardening. “I did give up my power on Earth for you. For you both.”My breath hitched. “Then what happened?” Hades sighed. “Rosa, your beautiful mother was pregnant.”I stared at Hades, my mind struggling to process the weight of his words. "Pregnant? You mean... my mother was carrying another child?" My voice trembled with grief. “How?”Hades nodded, his eyes dark with memories. "Yes, Celine. Your mother was expecting. In her defiance of Selena’s cruel demands, Rosa came to hell one last time, and we had one last night together. I…" Hades’ voice broke. “I had no idea how she found her way down here, and I hoped we wouldn't get caught… it was a
KaidenFor days I haven’t been able to get up from my bed. I just couldn’t, despite all that Damon said that night. And to make it worse, Everytime I closed my eyes, I saw her. I saw her in other people, I mourn our child, the one I wasn’t able to meet.And I just couldn’t stop perceiving her scent. Her scent was everywhere and I was convinced it was karma, to smell her everywhere and not touch her. Sheila had been so helpful, taking control of what I was usually meant to do, and taking care of me. She was the closest thing I had to a comforter, and it was funny how it was the person who she hated the most that was helping me out of this difficult time.But Sheila had redeemed herself. After that uncomfortable situation we had few days ago, she reduced her contacts, only providing me with what I needed. I appreciated that.I wished it didn’t hurt this much. Chasing Celine to her death. I took in a shaky breath as I stood in her room, wanting to surround myself with the last place she
Sheila“Your highness, The pesky beta is beginning to suspect us sooner than you expected he would.”My hand stilled on the magazine I was flipping through, my jaw pausing on the fruit I had in my mouth. Well, I expected sooner or later Damon would figure something out. He had that annoying quality about him. I hated that quality. If he were to be by my side, I would have loved it.“What did he do, Mirena?” I continued browsing my magazine, enjoying the fruits as two maids gave me a pedicure and a foot massage. They were maids that Mirena spelled to forget whatever they heard going on here the minute they left because I decided killing everyone would spark curiousity. And I couldn’t afford that. I was so close to getting everything I wanted.Mirena moved from her position from the shadowed corner of my room and into my focus. “He followed me out into the woods last night. I think he’s beginning to realize something is going on, probably because of my extended stay.”I dropped the mag
CelineI twirled the ring on my finger, feeling the smooth metal as my mind raced with numerous thoughts. I didn't find Mika and Neil, which made me hopeful, but I couldn't stop thinking about things and my encounter with Anya. Could I fix things with Kaiden? Would this ring be my key to getting my family back? But what of Sheila? Did Kaidenn love her now? Was he searching for me for any other reason except his child? Was giving him this ring worth the risk of going back?We stopped at the door of the castle, Evelyn, Bridgett,e and Penny giving me tentative glances while the demons played with Arienne, turning out to be big babies after all.“Your Highness,” Bridgette spoke out in a small voice as I glared at the door. “Are you not going in?”Her question repeated in my mind. I may have judged Hades too fast, it seemed. Even when he was forbidden from contacting me in any way, he was still watching over me. He not only sent a knight who intervened when bad things happened but, he als
Chapter 76CelineI could not believe my eyes or my ears as i ran to the direction of the voice that haunted me for five years as i suffered in humiliation and labor from my former best friend turned enemy.I could not believe that the reason my whole life turned apart, and my own mate hated me, was down here in hell, suffering. And now, she was here. Chained. Filthy. Beaten down by the same darkness she once used to destroy me.I should have felt satisfied. I should have felt like justice had finally been served. But instead, all I felt was anger.I stormed away from the demons and towards the ones who tortured Anya, ignoring the sounds of Evelyn and Bridgette behind me. I had a million things to say to her. I wanted to ask her why she hated me so much. Why she had to destroy my life even if it meant losing hers? I wanted to know if she was happy i lost everything. Many nights, I fought with her in my head.Why was i never good enough for you? Why did you think i didn't deserve Kaide
Celine“Oh my goddess!” I screamed as the demons walked into the room, my whole body vibrating, almost as if I had no idea demons lived in hell, and I'd been in it for hours. Evelyn jumped to my side, griping my shoulders as I backed away from them, scrambling away to a hiding place. “Please calm down, Your Majesty! They are here to protect you, not harm you! King Hades sent them for your protection!”I barely registered Evelyn’s words over the hammering of my heart. My breath came in short, sharp gasps as I pressed my back against the wall, my limbs trembling uncontrollably.The demons stood at the door, their eyes filled with eerie stillness and coldness as their towering figures claimed the space of the room. Their claws were long and sharp, skin blacker than coal, limbs an unnatural amount, and sharp horns on their heads. I clenched my hands into fists, trying to keep them from shaking, but my body refused to listen. My entire being screamed at me to run, to get as far away fro
DamonThe drop of blood on Sheila’s collar was too small for anyone to see, even the King if he was in his right mind. However, I spent most of my life training to see what others would not see because it was my fate to protect the king. Protecting the king was my priority in life, followed by my interests.So the drop couldn't just get past me. The scariest part? It was dried blood. And there was no way an injury she had could give her such a small amount of blood.This led me to remember that night I saw her after dark in the yard with a dark figure, I figured was the witch I trusted with nothing. I wouldn't have believed that she was right about Celine if she wasn't right about her location and my men didn't see blood flow in the waters just after her screams.I paused in my urgent steps in the middle of the cold hall, my heart plummeting to the ground as my breath seized in my throat.No… could it? No.I suggested Sheila as the queen because of the intensive background check I con
Celine“Could you explain to me how hell works? Is it every soul who dies that ends up here?” Evelyn looked up in shock as she was expecting me to say anything since I shut them out hours ago, but my curiosity had taken the best of me, I wanted to know and I was in no mood to ask Hades. Bridgette and Penny gave us their attention as Evelyn cleared her throat, putting down the yarn and wool she was working on. She studied me for a moment as if deciding how much she should reveal. Then, with a sigh, she clasped her hands together and leaned forward.“No, not every soul ends up here,” Evelyn began. “Hell isn’t just a pit where the damned are thrown. It’s… layered, stand ructured. A place of consequence.”Bridgette and Penny exchanged glances but remained silent, allowing Evelyn to continue.“The souls that come here either belong to those who have done unspeakable things in life, those who owe a debt to the gods, or those who have unfinished business.” She glanced at Bridgette and Pen
KaidenWith Damon’s help, I headed back to the palace with only the hope that I could ever forgive myself for all that had happened. I may be living, but I felt like nothing but dead inside, with no will to live on.“You need to be a king, Kaiden. You need to find a reason to get up every morning, for the people who died.”I had to prove to my child I never met that I was not a bad father. If I knew she was going to fall… if I knew she was so scared of her life here that it ultimately led to her death… I would have done things differently. Now I had to spend the rest of my life wishing and wishing that I did things differently. It was not enough punishment for what I had caused. The pain was not enough punishment, even the barbaric ritual wasn't enough pain. I needed something to punish me for the things I had caused because I would drive myself crazy with guilt. As soon as the doors to my chambers, Sheila leaped up from where she was seated and ran to me, her eyes filled with unsh