Chapter 3
Drogaem
The stench permeating from the deep crevices of the crypts irritates me. I have spent far too long trapped in a dark and weary solace, my physical body disintegrating all around me with my powers trapped in a place I couldn't get to. But with this new body, Kane's body, I am capable of so much more. Kane's body is nowhere near as mighty as mine once was, but I will correct that all in due time. I turn, glancing around at the servants standing within the shadows, there if I need them, but hoping I pay no attention to them. The fear emanating from their existence pleases me.
I clap my hands garnering their attention. " Wait somewhere else, I want to be alone."
They make haste, obviously glad to not be in my presence. The power of it is intoxicating, and I think back to the days that I ruled the Underworld, when no one would look me in the eyes. As the last of the servants hastily exit the catacombs, their feet quietly patting along the stone corridor back to the steps leading up into the castle, I let out a long deep breath. It's good to be alone. Lying trapped within my rotting corpse inside of my tomb, I had thought of myself as a God who would never want to be alone again. However, my newfound freedom is bringing me a different type of viewpoint.
Besides, what needs to be done cannot be left to the eyes of rogue souls stationed for my bidding. I glance at my body laid out on the onyx marble slab, draped in deep burgundy satin. A smile pulls at the corner of my lips. Turning with a swiftness, my robes fluttering behind me, I head through the mausoleum, a crypt of important allies and enemies amongst the Gods and Goddesses of the Underworld. It is dark and musty and all along the walls, sectioned out to give ample room for their tombs, are stone sculptures. I don't like the way the crypts are held, put together as if a mortal had designed it. We are God's, and crumbling stone sculptures barely do justice to those that deserve it. Nonetheless, that is but a drop in the multitude of plans I have for the Underworld once I am returned to my body.
As I pass each section, I carefully count until I reach a rather empty, plain vault to my right. My lip twitches in irritation. That was to be my resting space if ever I were to succumb to death. Unfortunately, that bitch, Lux, made sure that I never returned to my glorious castle. Just the thought of her makes my skin crawl and a harboring anger begins to rise. I stomp my foot, reminding myself that Lux will be dealt with as well.
Inside the empty crypt a pillar stands, the pillar that is supposed to hold my body. My eyes shift around the shadows, sending out a wisp of magic in an attempt to sense any prying eyes. But there is no one. It's just me and the corpses of the fallen. I walk behind the pillar and place my right palm on top. For all intents and purposes, it is just a solid stone block, but before my death, I enchanted it. Things had become seedy and I had known that an attempt may be made on my life. No matter how powerful I am, I am not stupid.
Closing my eyes, I search for the powers that I harbor within my soul, attaching like serpent tendrils to the crown on top of my head. Shadow energy curls around the throngs of my crown, down my face, across my shoulders, and cascades into my hand. It collects beneath my palm spreading out over the cement block and spilling like blood down the sides. My palm rises as my one cherished asset reveals itself.
I pull my hand back and smile, running my fingers over the weathered mortal leather binding. It is my book, the place I kept all of my most brilliant ideas. The place where the secrets to my resurrection hide within the corners, crevices, and binding. Only I know the secret to putting them together and I have waited far too long to have the chance.
I pick up the book and hold it to my chest, walking from the desolate crypt back toward my body. As I approach, a light breeze cascades through the catacomb tunnel hitting me with force. The book falls from my hands and I clutch my chest, groaning. My knees are weak and I put my hand on my thigh to steady myself. I am vengeful, and I am angered, but this rage that hits me can only come from one place.
Spit drips from my lip as I slowly raise my head, my eyes going completely black. "Lux."
I swipe my hand at the book, hiding it within the waves of power that emanate in the Castle. The shadows will keep it safe. I swallow hard and grit my teeth as I jump, swiftly moving from shadow to shadow through the castle, searching for the young mortal that my former lover makes a temporary home within. When I come to a stop, I stare at the large glass doors, peering through at Briar, sitting quietly on the edge of the reflecting pool within gardens that I have never seen before. I can smell Kane's mother all over it. My first instinct is to
