She nods, “You’re right. Let’s go. We need to form a plan on how to get out of this realm and what we need to do next.”
We follow Lust and Envy inside to a cozy sitting room, they really hate it when I think of them like that. The fire in the grate burns a brilliant green, so very different from The Mortal Realm and even that of Faerie. My mother is sitting with Poppy and Cara, the three look rather cozy by the fire. We all gather around and my fathers step forward. “Luc will be here shortly. We will need you and Lillie to hide away from view. We can deny any knowledge of your progress in the Fields of Punishment. We must play this game, for the time being, Luc can not know that Lillie is here. We all know that Luc knows what goes on in his realm but he can not see you or all will be lost. We want you two to listen in on our conversation. I believe that he will bring news of what is going on in the realm.”
A wall to our left slides open and I look back at my parents, “How long has this been here?”
My mother laughs, “There are so many secrets to this place. One day, you and I may know of all of them, and then again, maybe not.” She smiles and waves us into our hidey-hole. Cara whines for just a moment and I notice the look that passes between LJ and her fox. She settles back down in my mother’s lap.
LJ looks at my mother, “What about Cara and Poppy? Shouldn’t they hide?”
My mother smiles, “For all Luc knows they have been here with us the whole time, waiting for Dax to find you. We’re going to play that card. Now scoot! He’s almost here.” She shoos us into our hidden alcove and the panel slides shut behind us.
Suddenly, I find that we are in very close proximity to one another. Looking down at LJ in the dimly lit hidden closet, I can’t help but think that she looks so enticing, so beautiful. I pull her close and lean in. The moment my mouth touches her lips, I groan and pull her closer still. To think that I could have lost her to the Fields. She opens to me, inviting me to deepen our kiss. A heat like I have never experienced ignites within me, and my inner demon all but purrs as we melt into one another. She has possessed me, body and soul.
LJ pulls away, her sigh is soul-deep as she whispers, “We need to listen, Dax.” I nod and lean my forehead against hers before pulling back and cradling her in my arms.
If someone had of said to me a month ago that I would meet my true mate, I would have laughed in their face, but here I am, whispering, “I’m going to get you out of this realm and we’re going to clear your name.”
“Shhh, demon boy.” She smiles and places two fingers against my lips. I can’t help but kiss her fingers before nipping at them. She grins back at me, her eyes twinkling in the low light.
“Seraphina, you look lovely as always. I see you have two very otherworldly companions with you.” Luc’s deep baritone voice from the adjacent sitting room stops our teasing.
“Lucifer, you are always welcome in our house. Cara and Poppy are anxiously awaiting for Daxell’s return.” My mother’s voice betrays nothing. “What news have you?”
“I’m afraid it’s not good. With all the unsanctioned comings and goings in The Underworld, I’ve been forced to close our realm off from the other realms. Mammon is none too pleased.”
One of my fathers speaks up, “What do you mean, Luc?”
“There will be no more coming and going between the realms until I deem it appropriate.” Luc’s voice is low and menacing. “The only reason that I allowed Mammon to acquire Vengeance, Morríganna’s whip, was because it was to stay in The Mortal Realm. It is one of the few things that can wake the phantom queen from The Fields of Punishment and therefore it was never to make it’s way back into The Underworld.”
“Luc, why is this relevant?” My mother asks.
“Because, my dear Seraphina, Vengeance has somehow made its way into Hell.” Luc’s retort is full of ire.
“How is that possible?” My mother asks. I can just imagine the look of curiosity on her face.
“The backpack,” LJ whispers for my ears only. “How else?”
I shush her, placing my fingers over her lips in our dark alcove as they continue, I hear Luc exclaim, “That is the question, isn’t it Seraphina? Do you all understand what this means?”
My father, I’m not sure which one, says, “She can be raised out of her stupor. That’s why you’ve closed down the realm. If the whip is here it is personal to her. If she is brought out of her punishment then she can leave this realm, just like the rest of us.”
“Exactly! I fear that dark plans are afoot for the phantom queen’s essence. She will not survive what they have planned for her.” Luc’s voice booms into our hiding place and his concern for her well being is surprising.
LJ looks up at me and whispers, “She means to drain her. I remember now. We have to stop Nyx.”
“Shhh. LJ, we need to listen.” I gently kiss her temple as Luc continues.
“I will allow one to leave this realm and alert Alaric and Ashlinn as to the goings-on here but no more. Send the sprite. All else will have to stay. I have no choice in this matter now! Only I will be able to come and go from the realm.”
“Luc …”
“I’m sorry Seraphina, it cannot be helped. If Daxell has rescued Lillie then the two will have to work together … here in The Underworld to discover what is amiss and what was
