CHAPTER 47: A BORING COMPANION

Hades made his way to the wing of the castle where his father resided. It was as cold and daunting as always, but the eerie atmosphere had long since lost its effect on him. Fear was a foreign concept now—something he had forgotten how to feel. He pushed open the stiff door and stepped inside, his eyes immediately locking onto the king, who sat comfortably in a worn-out chair.

"Twice in less than a month. Have I truly been blessed by the god of goodness and mercy himself?" Azazel said, amusement threading through his voice.

"I don’t think the god of goodness would bother with someone like you, Father," Hades replied flatly, drawing a deep, booming laugh from Azazel.

"Still so blunt," the king mused. "Tell me—why are you here? I refuse to believe this is just an innocent visit."

Hades lifted his gaze, eyes cold and calculating. "I used to wonder what you did here all alone, day after day. But now, I think I’ve figured it out. I know what you’re planning."

Azazel’s interest visibly sharpened. "Do tell, Hades. What is it you believe I’m planning?"

"To truly return to Hell," Hades answered without hesitation. "You stayed on Earth because of my mother. But now that she’s returned to the heavens, you have no reason to remain. And yet, you can’t simply go back, can you? Not after breaking an ancient law of the Book of Hell. Now you seek redemption from Lucifer himself. Am I wrong?"

He stepped further into the room, his eyes briefly drifting toward the large mirror, then to the canvas in the corner—covered in thick, dusty cloth.

"You are right, Hades. Though, I never hid my intentions. Unlike you, clinging to the delusion that you belong in this world—when you clearly don’t, I refuse to settle among these lowly beings. So yes, I am seeking to regain the favor of our master, Lucifer."

"Your master," Hades corrected sharply. "I have nothing to do with Lucifer."

Azazel chuckled darkly. "Keep telling yourself that."

A thick, heavy silence followed, stretching between them like a blade.

"Does your attempt to gain favor include creating a shapeshifter?" Hades asked coldly. "You know the chaos a being like that could unleash if left unchecked."

"I merely helped a poor soul who craved power for revenge," Azazel said, his tone nonchalant. "And as any generous master would, I rewarded his loyalty and alliance."

"Who is the shapeshifter? Give me a name," Hades demanded.

"I’m afraid I can’t do that," Azazel replied smoothly. "But I will say this, whoever it is, you wronged them. Deeply. Perhaps if you reflect on your long list of enemies, you might be able to figure it out."

Hades stared into his father’s reflection in the mirror, then shifted his gaze to his own. He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it back as he studied himself.

"Very well. I won’t force the truth from you, but I will find them. And when I do, I’ll bring their head to you myself." He turned, flashing the king a cold, mocking smile. "Do enjoy the rest of your day, Azazel."

With that, Hades walked out, leaving the door wide open behind him.

Azazel’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "That audacious bastard," he hissed through gritted teeth.

"What shall we do now, Master Azazel?" a moggly croaked, crawling out from beneath the chair where the king sat.

"Keep pushing forward with the plan. That scar-faced fool is nothing but a distraction." Azazel’s gaze remained fixed on the open door. "What about the book? Has it been found?"

"Unfortunately, no. The prince reached the librarian’s house before we did. He has the book," the moggly muttered, its head bowed low.

"I figured as much. Hades knows the shapeshifter is after the book and he’ll make sure it’s well hidden. For now, ensure the scar face doesn’t do anything foolish. He must stay alive long enough to fulfill his purpose."

"Very well, Your Majesty. I’ll see to it." The creature gave a quick bow before skittering out of the chamber, leaving the king alone.

"Hades... Hades... Hades," Azazel murmured, leaning back into his chair and closing his eyes.

~~~

Lilith had tuned out less than a minute after Grim started talking. She could still hear the faint hum of its voice, but none of the words registered. For the next excruciating hour though it felt far longer she fought to keep her eyes open as Grim rambled on in what could only be described as a one-sided conversation... or a monologue.

"I feel like I’m the only one contributing to this conversation," Grim finally said, pausing to stretch. "Why don’t you tell me something interesting, Lilith? I know that might be hard, considering you’re painfully boring, but surely you must have had at least one fascinating moment in your life."

Lilith didn’t respond. She merely stared at it with half-lidded eyes, completely drained.

Grim suddenly tossed a pillow at her, snapping her out of her trance. "How long have you not been listening? Unbelievable! You let me talk to myself for who knows how long. If I haven’t mentioned it before, I will now, you are absolutely no fun to talk to!" he complained, arms crossed.

Lilith rubbed her eyes with her palms. "Quit whining. If you had let me get some sleep, I might’ve had the energy to listen. So, technically, that’s your fault," she mumbled in a tired voice.

"Whatever. I’m leaving," Grim huffed, jumping off the bed and stomping toward the door. He made sure to slam it shut dramatically as he exited the room.

Lilith let out a deep sigh of relief and collapsed back onto the bed, finally embracing the long-awaited sleep that slowly overtook her.

But in the depth of her slumber, she began to feel hot breath against her face. At first, she tried to ignore it, assuming it was just her imagination. But the sensation persisted, until Lilith was finally forced to open her eyes.

"Master Hades wishes to have lunch with you," Grim said, grinning from ear to ear as it sat comfortably beside her pillow.

Lilith gasped and nearly falling off the bed from how fast she jumped up. "I swear, I’m going to smother you with a pillow if you keep doing this!" she snapped.

Grim placed a hand on its chest, feigning shock and hurt. "Dear goodness, that’s dark, even for you, Lilith. Anyway, I’m leaving."

Lilith watched it leave the room, again and let out a groan of frustration. She was this close to ripping her own hair out. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she sat in front of the mirror and began fixing her hair, making sure she looked presentable.

Once she was satisfied with her appearance, Lilith exited her room and made her way to the dining room. Just as she stepped inside, Hades entered through the opposite door, his gaze immediately locking onto her.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness," Lilith greeted politely, trying to keep her voice steady. But her hands were already growing clammy, and her heart was racing.

Why am I feeling this way? she wondered. I was perfectly fine just a few seconds ago...

"Sit," Hades said, gesturing to the chair beside him. "Viktor had the cook prepare a meal he learned a few months ago before he arrived."

Lilith offered a small smile and did as she was told, sitting stiffly. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the bulging black veins on the prince’s wrist. His shirt sleeve was slightly rolled up, revealing the darkened skin beneath.

She frowned. Those veins hadn’t been there the last time she saw his arm. Had they disappeared and returned? She wanted to ask him about it, but kept her lips sealed. It wasn’t any of her business—but she couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Was he sick? He didn’t look it.

Perhaps... it’s something else. The CURSE!? The thought hit her like a wave. Could he be the cursed one? Was that why he reacted so strangely when she touched him?

Should she try touching him again? Would that even be smart? She—

"You appear to be lost in thought. Are you not hungry?" Hades’ voice cut through her thoughts, snapping her back to the present.

She looked up at him with a nervous smile and only then noticed the food already laid out on the table.

The table was filled with delicious-looking foods, pastries, and drinks. Lilith could already feel her mouth watering from sheer hunger.

"Viktor called it pan-fried potatoes, deep-roasted chicken, and vegetable potage," Hades said, pointing to the various delicacies.

"They all look lovely, Your Highness," Lilith replied with a genuine smile.

A servant stepped forward and began to serve generous portions onto their plates. Lilith waited patiently for the prince to begin eating before she picked up her fork.

The moment the food touched her tongue, she couldn’t help the soft moan of pleasure that escaped her lips. The castle cooks were always excellent, but this—this was extraordinary. Everything was perfectly seasoned, rich, and heavenly.

Lilith continued eating quickly, as though the meal might vanish if she slowed down. She only paused when she glanced up and caught Hades watching her, wiping his lips with a napkin.

Her face flushed with embarrassment. She swallowed hastily almost choking in the process, then avoided his gaze. Hades’ eyes, however, remained fixed on her, filled with amusement.

"I’ve never seen anyone enjoy a meal quite so... enthusiastically. It’s oddly enchanting," he said, clearly entertained.

Lilith looked down, her cheeks burning even more.