by Bailey Dark
My teeth gnash against the inside of my lip as I contemplate my gut instinct. I need to hide my dagger where Kane cannot find it. Keeping it on my person only works as long as Kane and I stay separate, but I cannot tell from moment to moment where he stands. I look around the room, but I see no good option, no hidden crevice that Kane won't think to look if he were attempting to find the dagger.
I glance out the window at the purple haze night blanketing the Underworld. I know at this point there's no way I'm going back to sleep. While the soft spun satin sheets and billowing pillows call to me, my mind and body are far too tense to relax. I grab my dressing gown, a simple gray dress handstitched with a light airy skirt and pull it on over my head. Looking in the mirror, I stare at the purple bags beneath my eyes, and the way my normally shimmering and smooth hair knots and twists, matted on one side from the sweat.
I don't know if I'll see Kane, but I definitely can't go walking around the castle looking like this. I undo the braid in my hair and run a brush smoothly through my tresses. While there aren't a lot of knots or tangles given that my Ladies brush my hair before and after my bath, I take my time smoothing the wild hairs and pull it all into a loose ponytail at the base of my neck. I hold the long red ribbon neatly curled on my dressing table up, smiling just slightly as I wrap it around my hair.
Finally satisfied, I quietly exit my chambers and walk silently through the shadows that creep along the edges of the castle hallways. The Goddess who controls the garden I'm in search of also happens to be Kane's mother. Basing things off of the first time I met her, I can't imagine that she goes out of her way to make me comfortable in Death's home. Nonetheless, the enchantment that hides the gardens from everyone else stays suspended for me.
I hurry through the glass doors and slow just a bit as I approach the large pool sitting motionless in the center of the garden. The quiet and serenity of the space catches me off guard. It soothes me, pulls my nerves and caresses that yearning for peace. This is the place I came my first night in the Underworld. Basking in the pool, feeling the warmth of the enchanted space, and taking a break from the dark morose atmosphere that comes along with the territory when you are the bride of Death, is important.
Slowly I meander over to the pool, sitting down on the edge. I turn, looking at the dark stillness of the water. There are no ripples, no movement whatsoever. It looks like a mirrored surface, reflecting the lightness of the ambient space around me. I lean forward and peer down at my reflection, trying to picture myself back home, sitting by the still pond on my father's land. However, as I lean closer, my reflection isn't what I see. In its place is another face, beautiful, bright, and Godly.
There is a heat in my stomach as I gaze into her eyes. Emotions flood me, but they aren't mine, and they aren't anything like what I have felt of Kane in the past. No, these emotions don't belong to either of us. There is a tranquil sensibility but only for a moment. Quickly a dark fear blankets it, sending chills down my spine. I blink hard, wondering if I am dreaming, tucked neatly in my bed, or awake, seeing what I am meant to see by the souls that haunt me.
When I open my eyes, the Goddess is gone, and my reflection stares back at me. My breath trembles lightly in my throat and I take a quick deep breath, splashing my hand through the water. Sitting up, I close my eyes and rest my palm on my chest. The emotions are strong and binding, but I push them back as quickly as possible. With the curious link to Kane's soul, I fear he senses me, and it’s no longer a connection I feel safe in. Whatever has come over this new persona Kane has adopted, I know I need to safeguard my secrets. Only the Gods know what will become of me.
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 charge, rip Lux from whatever soul bending realm she hides, but I know that will do no good. The key to Lux is Briar. Such a fearful little mortal, her heart interwoven with the God who has vacated his body, forcefully giving me reign. It couldn't be more perfect.
As I walk through the garden doors, I hold back a disgusted look, feeling the filthy warmth of the enchanted Gardens that do nothing but shame the mighty castle of Death. Across the small space, Briar stands nervously, her hands clutching tightly in front of her. I don't want her to know that I felt her connection to Lux, as I don't even know if she fully understands it yet. I need her to trust me. The problem is, I'm not sure I can trust her. I see the way she looks at her beloved’s face, unsure of what soul lurks behind.
I put up my hands. "No need to stand up. I could sense that you were awake and I thought I might come and check on you considering it's an odd hour for a mortal of your stature to be walking the castle. Please, have a seat."
I stand and wait for her to sit down before pulling my long robes from behind me and taking a seat beside her. I watch her, her tongue wetting her lips nervously, her throat constricting as she swallows the fear that I know she feels sitting next to me. I can see how Kane may be smitten by her. She is beautiful, and I can sense Lux's powers swirling around within her. Reaching down, I gently pull her hand from her lap. I can see the shift in her breathing, the shallow gasps that she hides, showing just how much Kane's touch affects her. There is a heat between them, and I realize Kane has never taken her. What a silly fool. Leaving this beautiful mortal to ravish on her wedding night, giving her no time to gain experience in pleasure.
No matter, perhaps I will give her pointers before it is all over with.
I look down at her hand as I turn it over in mine. She lets her fingers unravel and within her palm her veins begin to glow as if her body were lit from the inside. Her eyes widen, obviously surprised as she hasn't been using powers since she has returned from freeing me. I feel her begin to pull away, and my grip tightens. Her eyes immediately dart to mine, a shimmer of fear vibrating in her irises.
I clear my throat, remembering that she is expecting Kane not Drogaem. While I don't know Kane very well, I can tell that she is fancied by simple gestures and small flights of kindness. I lower my voice and talk in a soothing tone. "Have you made any progress in unlocking your powers? Or maybe learning to harness them?"
Her eyes shift down as if she is ashamed. "No, not yet. I planned on getting some sleep so that I can be strong and fully rested tomorrow, but my dreams…"
She stops herself and I can tell she is careful with her words. She is unsure of me, as she should be. If she thinks that Kane is dangerous, she has no idea what I'm capable of. "Briar, I want you to start focusing on this. It's within you, we've seen it. You are going to be invaluable… to me… in the days to come."
Her cheeks grow pink and I loosen my grip, but she doesn't pull away. Her hand lays gently in mine and I can tell that she is searching for any kind word that Kane may have spoken to her in the past. After a moment, she pulls her hand back into her lap, staring down at her fingers. The light has receded but I can see her mind is elsewhere. She clears her throat and looks up at me. "What do you have planned?"
Her questions irritate me but I force a small smile with my quivering lips. Reaching up, I pat her on the shoulder. "Don't you worry about that. You have far too many things to think about. Now, the future Queen of the Underworld should not be restlessly meandering about the castle. Let me take some of your worries."
She shifts away but my hands are on her before she can move. I send a soothing stream of energy through her and I can see her muscles untense and her shoulders relax. I look over my shoulder at the servant standing on the other side of the garden doors. He notices my glare and swiftly comes in, jogging over toward us. Briar yawns, stumbling slightly as she stands. The servant reaches for her, catching her by the elbow and helping to hold her up.
"Take her back to her chambers," I tell him, a stern command in my tone. "Put her to bed and make sure she doesn't leave again until morning. Her dreams should subside for now."
The servant nods and ushers her carefully out of the gardens. My eyes roll over the glassy surface of the pool, narrowing as I stare at my reflection. I don't recognize myself. It's all a means to an end though. I can tell, without a doubt, that Lux lives on within Briar. I don't know how strong she is or what she can see through the mortal, but it's important that I not let her in on my plans until I know I have her completely within my clutches.
The mortal means nothing to me, just a capsule holding the woman who was the death of me. A deep rolling chuckle echoes from my chest. I cannot wait to see the look on her face when I'm returned to my body and stand to rule the Underworld for an eternity.
Chapter 4
Briar
Even though the Underworld does not have a sun to rise and fall as the mortal plane does, the lightening purple skies brighten my darkening chambers. The sounds of the castle I have grown used to stir me from my deep sleep. Carefully I open my eyes, allowing my vision to sit with my dressing table across the room from my bed. I slide my hand up the cool satin sheets and over my face, rubbing my eyes lightly. My senses begin to rouse and I can feel a weakness attached to my mortal body. Putting my palm down, I groan as I lift up and over, pushing against the bed and pressing my back to the headboard.
I rub both palms over my face, trying to remember exactly when I came to bed. The last thing I can fully recollect is sitting in the gardens, next to Kane, thankful for his calmer and more caring tone. I remember the glow that surged through my veins as Kane gently held my hand in his. The warmth of the energy flowing through me was familiar, the same feeling I have when the light completely envelops me, a peace calling me, keeping my mind alert.
As those memories come back, so does the realization that Kane had basically sedated me using powers I didn't know that he had. Normally, his calming comes either from his touch, or his shadows which have, over time, protected me and soothed me during difficult moments. But this is different, stronger, a fault that spread through my brain and all over my body like a drug. I'm still wearing the dress I had put on to go to the gardens, and my shoes are neatly sitting by the door. Those last few moments of pure, unhindered consciousness are breaking free from whatever spell Kane has put on me.
He wanted to help me sleep, and a servant had helped me back to my room. But I remember, I hadn't even made it that far. By the time we reached the end of the first hall, my legs collapsed. But the servant was thin, wiry in structure, and not the least bit strong. I bite at the inside of my cheek, trying desperately to remember who had carried me back to my room. Whoever it was, he was strong like Kane, his body cold, his shirt made of fine soft silk. I can remember my cheek rubbing against it as I attempted to stay conscious. I must've passed out before getting back.
I stand from the bed and walk gently over to the window, looking out at the city below and the grounds of the castle. The servants are more prevalent than usual, and I can see Willem standing tall, his large feathered wings spread wide as he spars with several of Death's Guardsman. I know I need to speak with him, but I need to be able to do it without Kane's watchful eye. Despite his kind words in the sanctuary, there was a missing connection, that same missing connection that I can't put my finger on.
There is a gentle wrap on my chamber doors and the hinges squeak as it opens just an inch. One of my Ladies in Waiting pokes her head in. "Oh good, you're awake. Shall we ready you for the day?"
My eyes shift over to the dress laid out for me, the brush in its exact perfect place, and a basin of warm water for my face. "Actually, I think today I can dress myself. This one doesn't look too complicated."
She nods her head and begins to back away. "But…" I step forward
and she pokes her head back in with a curious look. "Do you know if Kane is awake and about?"
Her eyes shift from side to side and she opens the door further, stepping closer. Her voice lowers several octaves and her body tenses as she speaks. "He has requested to be left on his own, locked in his study for the remainder of the day. He says he will call on anyone that he may need but everyone is to stay at a distance."
I nod my head and turn my eyes back toward the window. Being away from him isn't going to help me figure out what is going on, but with his focus so pinpointed on whatever plan he is working up, I may be able to move through the castle with ease. I have been practicing putting up my walls, and without Kane's constant attention, they are not as hard to keep intact.
As I look back down at Willem in the field, his head shifts up toward my window as if he can sense my thoughts. He stands for a moment staring at me before glancing over at the tall hedges that surround a sitting area shielded from the castle windows. I nod as I pull the curtains, quickly undressing and slipping into the black dress that is laid out. The material is clingy, falling over my curves. There is no need to cinch the waist as it is tailored perfectly to my size. Starting at my breasts, small black buttons with red latching's trail up to a lacy collar that hides my neck. I ignore the heels set out and slip my feet into a pair of black satin flats to the side. I want to be able to move quickly and nimbly as these days I don't know what to expect from moment to moment.
As I sit down at my dressing table, I pause staring at my reflection. My skin is pale but my cheeks are rosy. My long hair falls gently over my shoulders but there is something different about me. The soft femininity of my youth is changing. I look older, wiser, and stronger. I lean forward toward the mirror and blink, finding what looks to be small specks of golden light peppering my irises. I have never noticed them before, though something tells me that before my trip with Kan and Willem, they weren't there.
