Hades made his way toward his father's chamber, located in the most forsaken part of the palace, an area no one dared to visit. Lucian trailed behind him, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. No matter how many times he had been up here, the eerie sensation that crept over him never lessened.
The large oak doors creaked open and slammed shut the moment Hades and his uncle stepped inside. The room was dark, nearly barren, with only a bed and a single chair. The windows were wide open, lacking curtains to shield against the chilling air.
Seated in that lone chair was the King himself, draped in a long black robe that pooled onto the ground.
"We live in the same castle, yet it feels as though we reside in different kingdoms. You never come to see me," the King's deep voice rumbled through the dimly lit chamber.
Hades sighed, leaning against the cold stone wall. "I am a busy man. And You have chosen to waste away in this miserable place, while I have a kingdom to run."
The King let out a low chuckle. "How are things going? I heard you saved a girl from being burned alive. I never thought you capable of kindness." His tone dripped with mockery.
Hades arched a brow. "I was bored and needed entertainment. Do you have a problem with that?"
"She's a witch," the King mused, rising from his chair. His heavy footsteps echoed as he approached the window, his towering figure nearly blocking out the light. "I assume you want her to help you with the curse."
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on something far beyond. "I saw her. I sensed her power. She is a strong one… Perhaps a white witch."
"You think I'm not even aware of what she is," Hades said curtly. "Besides, what does any of this have to do with you? You haven't exactly been much help with my situation."
The King let out a slow sigh. "I gave you a much easier option, Hades. All you have to do is accept who you are and save yourself from pain."
"I'm not interested in becoming a devil, Father," Hades shot back. "I wouldn't do that to my mother." His tone hardened. "Why did you call for me?"
A moment of silence passed before the King finally spoke. "I wanted to see how you are doing. It has been a while since I set my eyes on you, Hades. And I also heard you were almost poisoned by one of your servants." He turned, his piercing gaze landing on his son.
"I'm well. Thank you for your concern," Hades replied flatly. "I took care of it."
"Very well, then. I hope you come to see me more often," the King said, his red pupils lingering on the prince.
"I'll have to think about that," Hades muttered before offering a short bow. "Enjoy the rest of your day." Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room. Lucian didn't waste a second before following.
The King stared at the closed door, his jaw tightening. His fists clenched around the window frame, bending the iron slightly under his grip.
Azazel, you need to make haste. You don't have much time left. Think of yourself and return home, my humble servant.
Lucifer's voice echoed in his head, repeating over and over again like a relentless whisper in his soul.
Azazel had once stayed on Earth for the sake of his beloved, Celeste. But now that she was gone, returned to her place in the heavens, he had no reason to remain among the weak humans and witches.
He was going to return home, one way or another. Even if it meant sacrificing this world and its pathetic people. Azazel swore it.
~~~
After dinner, Lilith remained in the kitchen, too scared to return to her chamber alone. She would have asked Fiona or someone else to accompany her, but they were forbidden from visiting that part of the castle. Almost all the servants had retired to bed, leaving only Lilith and the maid washing the dishes still awake.
As she sat in silence, staring at the sky, she noticed a figure approaching. Her heart skipped a beat, but when she turned, she recognized the prince's uncle, Lord Lucian, walking toward her with slow, deliberate strides.
Lilith quickly rose from her seat, offering him a polite bow and a small smile.
"Good evening, Miss Sherburn. The prince calls for you. I will escort you to his chambers," Lucian said in a calm voice.
Lilith let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Thank you, my lord," she replied.
Lucian acknowledged her with a nod and led her into the castle and up the stairs. As they walked in silence, Lilith felt an urge to start a conversation, but before she could, Lucian spoke first.
"When did you discover that you had special powers?" he asked.
"Five years ago. The night of my sixteenth birthday," Lilith replied.
She still remembered that day vividly, as if it had happened only yesterday. Her mother had baked her a small chocolate cake, and they had snuggled together in her bedroom, quietly celebrating her special day.
Her stepfather and stepsisters, however, had shown no interest in her birthday. Even when she had mentioned it to them, they ignored her. No wishes. No gifts.
It had been disheartening, especially since her stepfather always made sure she wished his daughters well and bought them gifts when their birthdays came around.
Lucian remained silent, as if deep in thought, carefully considering his next question. "How did it happen?" he finally asked.
"When my mother returned to her room, I remained awake, reading a new book she had gifted me. As I began to fall asleep, I accidentally knocked over the table beside my bed. I gasped when a cup nearly fell to the ground, but suddenly, it froze midair. I was beyond shocked, unable to believe what I had just seen. At first, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, but it wasn't. Carefully, I picked up the cup and placed it back on the table," Lilith explained.