Asmodeus steps forward. “We have packed several bags to take with you. Supplies that we think you will need. Food, water, changes of clothing, and shelter. I’m not sure where you will head first but you need to steer clear of the Lava Fields. The fire demons that reside there are particularly restless from what we have been told from several of our scouts.”
Daxell becomes all business as he pulls both his fathers aside and they discuss the business of this realm. One that I’m now tied to irrevocably, and I realize that deep down, I’m okay with that. Something that I’m not sure that I would have been able to accept two months ago.
Seraphina smiles at both Poppy and me as we gather a few additional items for our journey. Her quicksilver eyes studying me closely before she asks, “That was a lot to process from afar. How are you doing, Lillie? I do wish we had more time. It’s not fair this bounty that Mammon has put on your head. You both need time to settle into this new binding relationship as well as your ascension. I’ve never seen anyone ascend. It was … well, it was rather beautiful. I don’t have to worry about your connection to one another now. It’s just … I will worry none the less. Be careful out there. There is so much that you have to learn about this world and you don’t have time to do so. Listen to Daxell. He’s grown up here. Don’t argue with him, even if he appears to be overbearing. This is his stomping ground as much as he would love to deny that fact. If you listen to him and do as you are told the three of you will make it back to us unscathed.”
Nodding, I pull her to me and hold her close, needing a mother figure all of the sudden. Missing my Mum. “I trust your son to get us through this. We will see you soon. Hopefully, none the worse for wear.”
“See to it.” She sniffles pulling away from me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Yes, ma’am.” I smile and reach up to cup her cheek, “Thank you, Sera. Thank you for welcoming me to your family with open arms, even though I have brought discord upon your House.”
“Mammon is responsible for your predicament. I hold him and his little hussy to blame. Now go! I expect all of you back safely very soon.”
Daxell motions for us to meet him on the balcony. I guess we are taking to the skies. I holster several more blades as Poppy flitters about my head mumbling about how she can’t shift to her faerie size, and how she wants a crossbow and a staff. I grab an item off the table that is calling to me for some reason and pocket the metallic item that can’t be more than five inches in length, no more than the size of a pen or pencil. I have no idea what it is or what it does. With one last look at Daxell’s parents, I wave and exit the room to meet Dax’s demon on the balcony. This is it. We’re going into the wilds of The Underworld. I swallow thickly as I step into my demon’s embrace. Poppy lands nimbly on his shoulder and then slides under the wings on his back to a nifty little hiding place. Without a backward glance, he wraps his arms around me. His soot-black wings spread out and then he launches us into the foreboding crimson sky.
34
The Underworld and All It’s Pitfalls
(Daxell)
Itake a backseat to my demon as we prepare to leave the sanctuary of my home. It’s funny. Until recently, I’ve never regarded this place as home, but then, in walked LJ and somehow or another she shed a new light on this place. It seems brighter, and somehow different than before. Like there was something missing all along and that’s why I never connected to this realm. Just like how I felt drawn to The Mortal Realm because there was a chance that I would run into her. The ties that bind us are remarkable and I’m thankful for whatever deal that was struck so long ago so that we can be together now.
My demon holds LJ protectively as he soars higher into the sky. Poppy is tucked safely beneath our right-wing. As soon as we spot a shadow in the crimson sky, we quickly slip into the darkness. The world around us takes on the quality of a photo negative as we blend into the penumbra.
“So, this is shadow-walking? Demon … this is a little creeptastic for me. It’s weird and feels as if we could get lost in here.” LJ clutches us tightly in a fierce determination not to get left behind in the darkness.
My demon chuckles, “Like I would let that happen. Where to, little one?”
“Take us back to where you found me in the Fields of Punishment. I need to try to retrace my steps. I know that there was a backpack with me when Nyx pushed me into her swirling vortex of wonders.” Sarcasm drips from her lips. We both chuckle at her humor and hold her tighter as we navigate the shadow world.
Then growling at the thought, we say, “I will destroy any foul creature that tries to tie you to the Fields of Punishment again.”
LJ laughs, “Calm down there, demon boy. I think that this time, I can take care of myself. Especially since I have a better understanding of the little troll turds. I really don’t like them, but I understand that they serve a purpose. You doing okay back there, Poppy?”
Poppy’s
