Chapter 44 The Price of the Dead
Lucifer’s gaze softened, a flicker of pain breaking through his calm mask. “It’s true,” he murmured. “And I will do anything” his voice dipped low, strained by emotion, “to make Selena live.”
“Master, please,” Morgana said quickly, stepping forward. “You are the King of Hell. I can’t let you go through what you went through centuries ago.”
Lucifer’s hand rose, fingers brushing hers gentle but commanding. “You have been my faithful servant, Morgana. I can’t allow you to go.”
Her lips parted, but his tone left no room for argument.
“I want you to stay here and protect Selena,” he continued. “The Dragna must not escape your sight. Find that little ant but don’t kill it until I return. And Morgana…” his golden eyes flared, burning with quiet threat and promise, “keep Selena safe. No matter what.”
Morgana lowered her head, hiding the tremor that ran through her. “I vow, Master. I will protect her with my life until you return.”
Lucifer’s lips curved faintly, a smile both proud and sorrowful. In the next breath, he vanished swallowed by shadow and flame.
The land of the dead greeted him with silence thick as smoke. The air was heavy, clinging to his skin like damp ash. The stench of decay curled through the stillness, mingling with the faint cries of wandering souls that brushed against his mind like cold fingers desperate for warmth.
Before the black river stood Hades’ servant thin as bone, cloaked in ash that clung to him like a second skin. His hollow eyes glowed faintly blue, casting a dim light across the shifting mist.
The instant he saw Lucifer, he dropped to his knees. His forehead touched the cracked soil. “King of Hell. Master of all darkness,” he rasped. “It is an honor to have you in our realm today.”
Lucifer said nothing. The air itself seemed to bend around him, the fog darkening, thickening with every breath he took. “Take me to Hades,” he commanded, his voice echoing like thunder in a crypt.
“Yes, my Lord.”
The servant rose and led him to a narrow canoe carved entirely from the rib bones of giants. It rocked gently at the edge of the river, moaning as if alive. Lucifer stepped in, his boots soundless, his shadow stretching across the water like an omen.
The canoe glided forward on its own no oars, no sound only the soft hiss of water rippling against bone. Beneath the surface, faces twisted and sank, their screams muffled, their eyes wide in eternal torment.
Lucifer’s gaze stayed fixed ahead, unblinking. His reflection in the dark water was not his own it flickered between light and shadow, angel and devil.
The palace of Hades rose in the distance, a black mountain of obsidian crowned with pale fire. Flames burned an eerie blue along its towers, flickering like dying souls. The closer he came, the colder it grew, until even the air seemed to freeze at the edge of his wings.
He stepped off the canoe and walked down the path of polished stone. Each step echoed like a drumbeat through the dead air. The great doors before him massive, carved with scenes of eternal suffering—swung open without a touch.
Hades sat waiting on his throne of iron and bone. His skin was pale as moonlight, his eyes two pits of endless night. A grin stretched across his face, sharp and knowing.
“Lucifer Morningstar,” he drawled, voice dripping with amusement. “Master of deception. King of Hell. To what do I owe this rare visit?”
Lucifer’s smirk was a blade. “So, you didn’t know I was coming, and yet you sit here waiting. Curious.”
Hades’ laughter rolled through the chamber, bouncing off the cold stone walls. “Oh, I knew,” he said. “The dead whispered your name long before you crossed my river. I was intrigued. It’s been ages since your feet darkened my halls. Tell me, Lucifer why now? Has war returned to the heavens?” His grin widened, teeth gleaming like polished ivory. “I’ve missed it, you know. The screams, the chaos, the blood.”
Lucifer’s wings unfurled slightly, shadows curling from their edges like smoke. The torches flickered and died, one by one. “You’ll have your fill soon enough,” he said coldly. “And you already know why I’m here.”
Hades leaned back, drumming his fingers against the armrest of his throne. “How could I possibly know why the mighty Lucifer darkens my doorstep?”
Lucifer’s gaze sharpened, his eyes glowing gold beneath the gloom. “Don’t play games with me, Hades. I didn’t come here for your tricks.”
The god of the underworld smiled slowly, tilting his head as though savoring the tension. “Fine then,” he murmured. “You’ve come seeking answers. About the prophecy the one that marks that fragile little human girl. You want to know why death stalks her. Or perhaps,” his grin deepened, “you wonder if her mother still breathes. And if she does… where she hides.” He leaned forward, voice dropping to a whisper that slithered through the air. “Or maybe, my old friend, you seek a way back to Crimson Eden?”
Lucifer’s jaw tightened. The temperature in the hall dropped further, frost creeping along the floor. “Tell me everything,” he commanded, his voice low but dangerous.
Hades’ grin widened, teeth flashing in the dim light. “Everything comes with a price, Lucifer. Are you ready to pay for the truth?”
The air trembled. Power rippled off Lucifer like heat from a dying star. Shadows rose and coiled around him, snuffing out the last of the light. “You dare ask me for a price?” His voice thundered, shaking the hall. “You forget your place, Hades.”
“The law forgets no one,” Hades said, unflinching. “Not even you, King of Hell.” His gaze glowed brighter, unyielding. “The question remains… are you ready to pay?”
Author’s Note 💫
Hey, my amazing readers! 🌹
What a scene, right? I had chills writing this one. I hope you could feel the tension between Lucifer and Hades because let’s be honest no matter how confident Hades acts, Lucifer is still stronger than him. Always has been, always will be 😈🔥
Thank you all so much for reading and following along with the story. Your comments, reactions, and support mean the world to me. You guys keep me inspired every single time I sit down to write. 💖
So tell me… what do you think Lucifer will do next? Will he pay the price or break the law of the dead? 👀
Drop your thoughts in the comments I love hearing what you all think! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you don’t miss what happens next.