by Jana LaPelle
“I don’t know,” I stammer as I sink into the mirage before me. “I need to find …” I pause uncertainly before stammering, “I’m not sure.”
He laughs, but his laughter sounds harsh and menacing, not at all like my father, “You were always the weak one. Weren’t you?”
“Wh … what? You always said that I was strong?”
“And you believed me? So, you’re dimwitted as well, my daughter?” My handsome father looks down on me in bitter disappointment.
“This can’t be right. None of this is real.” My voice breaks as my reality begins to crumble. More dust rains down on me. Where is this glittering dust coming from, I wonder. What’s happening here? Where am I again?
“That would ease your insecurities, your pain, but you know I speak the truth. You are not worthy to be my daughter. To be a goddess of … NOTHING!” My father bellows. He glares at me and I know that there is some sort of manipulation going on here but it seems so real. My father’s disappointment stings. I sink to the ground and bury my face in my hands. He’s right, I’m the goddess of nothing.
Looking up, I see my mother’s form before me, granules of sand seamlessly coming together to become my mother, “You are such a disappointment. Look at you. Snevelling in the sand by a stream abandoned in The Underworld. You are not my daughter. You are WEAK!” My mother glares down at me and I cower under her scrutiny. She’s right. I’m weak. I’m nothing. No one wants me and no one will miss me.
My brother kneels before me, “Oh thank the gods, Lachlan. You found me. You can help me get out of here.” I look around in confusion, not sure anymore of where I am, but I plead none the less, “You came for me, help me. Please.”
My handsome brother sneers, his face a mask of contempt, “Help you? Why would I do that? I’m finally free of you! No longer bonded to you as your guardian.”
“No,” I whisper, “this can’t be real. You love me, Lach. You would never -”
“I would never, what? Leave you behind?” He straightens up, a harshness settles over his handsome features. “I already have.” He backs away from me to stand with our parents.
Not able to stand the looks on their faces, I stand and turn to run away from this nightmare only to run into Daxell. He’s not alone. The leggy blond from the bar is wrapped around him and the two are intertwined in one another, their kiss seems to go on for hours and I can’t tear my eyes away from the two, my heart shattering into a thousand pieces. He pulls away from the woman in his arms and pins me with a withering stare, “You thought you would be enough for me? You can’t even follow simple directions. What a fucking screwup! You’re on your own, honey cheeks. I’ve got better things to do than babysit you.”
Closing my eyes, I whisper, “This isn’t real. This isn’t happening.” I chant it over and over, hoping to be delivered from this nightmare. At some point, I realize that I’m sitting on the cold hard ground, rocking back and forth, as those I love the most continue to haunt me with their cruel words and I continue to chant my mantra, “This isn’t real. This isn’t happening.”
26
Luc Turns a Blind Eye
(Daxell)
Ifelt it as soon as we sat down to figure out how we were going to locate LJ here in Faerie. One moment I felt that she was here and the next she was gone, the link abruptly vanishes. Cara began to whine at that same moment and that’s how I knew that I was not mistaken. Cara laid her head in my lap and I began trying to soothe her alarm. In her agitation, she began twittering and chirping. I interrupt everyone in the room, “She’s gone. She’s no longer here.”
Everyone just stops and stares at me.
“How do you know?” Poppy’s mother, Jasmine asks. She has her hands full with twin boys that have taken after her mate and are hopping around on their little goat-like satyr legs. Their tiny hoofs clatter on the flagstone floor as they try to race away from their parents. No doubt to get into some mischief. Her mate, Camoryn tackled one of the boys and has thrown him up to sit on his shoulder where the little guy begins pulling on his father’s rather impressive horns and his hair. By the Fallen, he has the patience of a saint.
Looking back at everyone waiting for me to continue, I say, “I sensed her for just a moment and then, she just seemed to disappear, but I’m pretty sure that I know where to find her, or at least which realm to find her in. It’s time for me to go back to The Underworld. I’ll take Cara with me. She sensed her leaving just as I did.” I stand to make ready to leave.
Alaric, who has been pacing by the terrace doors turns back to me, “Wait, Daxell. After what you relayed to us, do you think that Mammon has something to do with this?”
“Yes, sir. And I think he has help as well, although, I have no clue as to who that may be. I mean no disrespect, but I have to get to her before she’s found in The Underworld. I will guarantee that Mammon has already been in contact with Luc. He is going to demand that LJ be tried for absconding with his so-called prize possession. Worse yet, she has no idea that she is being framed for that theft. She will be considered guilty until proven innocent and will not stand a chance unless I can get her out of there so that she can be tried on neutral ground. So, if you all will excuse me, I need to go.”
Lachlan stops me, “Man, you can’t go in there looking like that.”
“Like what?” I question, feeling offended.
“Like a pansy-ass in a cape. Are you trying to emulate Dracula? What the hell, dude?” Lachlan’s lips twitch.
A deep laugh rumbles out of my chest, “Dude, I needed that.”
“Come on, Dax. I think we can find something for you to change into before you leave for hell.”
Cara follows us and I hear Poppy call out, “Hey, hot stuff, you are not leaving me behind. Lillie JoBug may be your forever ever after, but she just may need me too.”
I mutter, “That is so not a good idea.”
“If she is anything like her mother, she will hitchhike her way into The Underworld. We all grew up together and that bond those two have is unbreakable. So you might as well suck it up and take her with you willingly. You never know, that little hybrid water sprite just may come in handy. The stories our parents tell about their escapades are epic. Anyhow, we’re about the same size or close to it. Take whatever you need and meet us back in the library.”
“Will do … and Lachlan …”
“I know that she can be a handful. I’m just worried about her. It wasn’t right for me to go off on you like I did.”
“You only said what everyone else was thinking, including me,” my voice is gruff and dismissive, I turn and Lachlan leaves me alone in his room, taking the hint that I need some time. Hell, as I look around, it’s more like a suite with rich mahogany floors and smooth stone walls. The room is open and airy with all the neat discrete masculine touches. I really do like it here. I can almost imagine LJ roaming the halls as a child. It’s a charming homey place, from the vases of fresh-cut flowers that I’ve spied here and there, to the little touches like throw blankets at the foot of the bed, not to mention the delicious scent of fresh baking bread that seems to permeate this place. Sighing, I quickly change into faded jeans and a black tee that stretches tightly over my shoulders. If I have to shift to my demon this shirt will be in tatters, hell, if I have to throw a punch the seams will probably split. So I pull the black silk dress shirt back on over the teeshirt and leave it open, and roll up the sleeves. Leaving Lachlan’s chambers, I head back downstairs to the meeting.
Walking back into the room, I announce, “I can’t trace like some of you. I’ll need to hitch a ride with someone to get me to a portal to The Underworld.”
Alaric speaks up, his face serious, those piercing blue eyes daring me to object, “I can get you to Luc’s. I can trace to his front door, but that’s the only place that I can trace to from this realm. We made a deal long ago, that access to The Underworld would have to be at his discretion. Besides, it is my understanding that he has the means to oversee everything tha
t goes on in his realm.”
“How is that even possible, Da? I thought that when the tear between the realms was fixed that The Underworld remained closed to us. I have so many questions.” Timbra mutters, more to herself than anyone else.
“There are some things that your mother and I have kept very private, but things are changing once more, and we may need to rethink what we have kept to ourselves. Your mother can bring you and Lachlan up to speed. Come, Daxell. Poppy are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, Uncle A. She’s my best friend and she’s in trouble. Besides, Lillie’s dreamboat here will be there to protect us.” She smirks.
Groaning, I ask, “Poppy, could you please layoff for a just minute?” Now I have to be the bearer of bad news. “You should take your sprite form. I don’t think you will be able to shift once we get to The Underworld. I don’t want you to have to undergo a forced shift when we arrive. I don’t think that will be pleasant for you.”
“He’s right, sweety. The whole time I was there, I could not shift to my faerie form, but Luc said that my sprite form carried more weight. Hopefully, this will be the case for you as well. Take care, daughter and kick some ass. Make me a proud mama.” Jasmine hugs her daughter and gives me a tight smile, “Bring our Lillie Joanna home.”
Ashlinn makes her way to me, and smiles, “I have faith in you Daxell. Do what must be done. I’ll see you both soon.”
“You should know … you need to know …” I stutter, feeling uncomfortable in the faith that this tiny, beautiful goddess is placing in me.
“Shhh, I know, and I’m okay with the trade-off that will need to be made, whatever that may be. I’m sure if she had a choice between you and staying safely tucked away here in The Otherworld, she will choose you. It’s time for her to accept her station. She is a goddess, after all, that needs to claim her god-given right, and she can do that with you by her side. Now go. She needs your help.” Her smile is contagious and lights up her entire being. I know that I really don’t know her, but damn if she isn’t making me feel right at home.
“Thank you.” I smile down at the tiny goddess, she’s so freakin’ petite. Turning back to her mate, and dare say my future father in law? I say, “I’m ready.”
“Then, let’s do this.” He lands a hand on my shoulder. Cara is in my arms, and Poppy is on my other shoulder. Alaric traces us to The Underworld, and once again it's like the room and everyone around us have fallen away as we’re pulled into a tunnel before coming out on the other side. More specifically, the doors that lead to Luc’s not so humble abode. Alaric strides forward to the enormous doors that stand before us and grasps the door knocker. He pounds on the door three times before backing away.
The huge ass doors open slowly, a dull-eyed demon asks, “Do you have an appointment with the almighty prince of darkness?” The creature before us leisurely blinks once, then again, and I have to wonder why the hell would this demon be the butler to the almighty Lucifer’s dwelling here in hell. His skin is a dull grey, as are his eyes. There is nothing remotely interesting about this male as he stands before us blinking in slow motion. It’s enough to send me into a rage. By the Fallen, is he moving in slow motion on purpose?
Barging into the dark atrium, I bellow, “Lucifer, I need to see you. NOW!” My voice booms off of the stone walls. His butler stumbles backward as I push into Luc’s residence.
“Come! I’ve been waiting for you.” Luc leans over the railing from just one story above us, his white-blond hair gleaming in the dim lighting. “What are you waiting for, Slarnok? Show our guest in.”
“Well, Lurch here has been slow to welcome us into your humble abode. How the hell does he get anything done at his pace. Seriously, Luc, I need to get a move on.”
Luc chuckles, “Easy there young Daxell. As you can imagine, I don’t get many guests so Slarnok may be a little out of practice. Come on up, all of you. It’s good to see you again, Alaric.”
“Luc, we need your help and we don’t have time for pleasantries. It’s Lillie.” Alaric strides up the stairs, taking them two at a time. “She’s here in your realm and we need to find her and get her back.”
I follow on Alaric’s heels. Anxious to find out what Luc knows. We enter a room that looks like a study. In the center of the room is a table that looks as if it displays 3D images. Images of The Underworld, in what appears to be real-time. “Where is she?” I demand.
Luc pins me with a look, “It’s not that easy, young Daxell.”
“I’m not young.” I seeth.
“By my standards you are, and so is Alaric here. So don’t be offended. I have been around, almost since the beginning of time, so everyone is young to me.”
Sighing, I say, “Luc, I mean no disrespect, but I need to find her and I know that you can help.” Cara whimpers in my arms and I let her down to roam, reminding me that she and Poppy are here with me.
Alaric steps forward, “Daxell is right, you can help. So let’s get on with it. I want my daughter back home.”
“I need both of you to cool your jets. She’s here, but a formal complaint has been lodged against her by Mammon. Daxell, you understand how that works, right?” Lucifer’s pale blue eyes drill into my own. His whitish blond hair looks disheveled as if he’s been running his fingers through it repeatedly.
Then it hits me, “Hellfire and brimstone! You mean to bring her to trial here in The Underworld. You can’t do that. She has no idea that she is even being charged with theft. You know as well as I do that she had nothing to do with the disappearance of Morríganna’s whip.”
“The laws are the laws, Daxell. There must be order here in The Underworld. It matters not what I think. She must go to trial,” Lucifer declares quietly, daring us to go against his decree.
“Not here!” I bellow, going toe to toe with my superior.
“You dare to challenge me, young duke?” Luc’s demon pushes to the surface.
“Yes. I will do what I must to protect her. She is innocent and you know it!” My demon pushes forward and, yes, I’m standing toe to toe with the Prince of Darkness, the Prince of the Underworld.
“Luc. Stand down. Our son means no harm.” My father, Asmodeus strolls into the room looking unaffected by the scene before him, he’s followed by my mother and Levi. “We need to talk.”
“Honestly, you can do all the talking you want, but I need to find LJ. I know that she’s in trouble. I can sense it.”
Luc looks at me and nods, “You’re right. She is. Once the portal closed that deposited her here, it didn’t take long for the dark sprites to find her. They have pulled her into her own personal hell in the Fields of Punishment. It’s what they do. It will be hard for you to persuade her that you are real at this point if she is even lucid. Some fall into the illusion of their worst fears and give into them more quickly than others.”
Alaric steps forward, “That was not my experience,” he growls.
“I brought you there for a reason and a purpose, Alaric. I ordered the dark sprites to leave you alone. I know that Lillie doesn’t belong here, and I assure you that I have had no hand in this. In fact, I’m trying to determine who has been able to create a portal in and out of my realm. It’s pissing me the hell off that I don’t know who is entering and leaving here without my consent. Lillie has always followed the rules in her duties to the souls that she has delivered to The Underworld. I know that something wicked is afoot, but Mammon’s complaint binds my hands. I can not direct. I can not help. The less I know the better. If Lillie is found here in The Underworld she will be held here. Do you understand?” He demands, hands crossed over his bare chest, which bears way too many inky black tribal tattoos.
Narrowing my eyes on my prince, I get his meaning, I think, but how the hell am I going to get her out of here without anyone knowing that she was here in the first place? Is Luc really going to turn a blind eye to us?
My father, Asmodeus, comes to stand by my side, and nods, “Thank you, Luc. We’ll take it fr
om here.” He moves to address Alaric, “I know that you are worried about your daughter, but let us do what we can. There is nothing more that Luc can do. From here on out we will have to fly under everyone’s radar. That means that you must leave this place. You will only bring attention to us.”
Stepping forward, I address Alaric, “I mean to bring her home if it’s the last thing that I do. I’ll find her and when I do, we’ll figure out how to get her out of here. It is my solemn vow.”
“All right, but I don’t like leaving here without her. If she is not back in one day Faerie time, I’m coming back. That should be more than enough time to find her and get her back home.” He growls.
“Everyone out! The less I know the better.” Luc motions us all to the door. “Slarnok! Show our guest to the door. Slarnok? Where the hell did he disappear to? I swear that demon is slow as slug snot. Lust, Envy, you know the way out. I have other things to attend to, things that will hopefully stall Mammon.”
We head back down the stairs, an unusual gathering of individuals. All on the same mission.
27
Lillie’s Torment
(Daxell)
Once outside of Luc’s fortress, Alaric quickly traces back to The Otherworld, putting his faith in me to return his daughter to him. Both my fathers are having a quiet conversation with my mother and I’m honestly not sure what my next step will be.
Poppy pipes up beside my right ear, her wings fluttering softly, “So? What’s the plan? How are we going to find Lillie? I can’t trace us to her because I have no idea as to where she is. This place is messing with me.” She doesn’t sound like her normal snarky self.
“I know. It messes with me as well. I much prefer The Mortal Realm to The Underworld.” I stroke the top of Cara’s head, trying to reassure her. The action helps to calm my nerves in the process, right now she is my only connection to LJ. When I find her, I’m never ever letting her out of my sight again.
It’s then that I see my father, Levi, and my mother, wink out of sight. Asmodeus walks back toward us where we stand in the courtyard. “We can’t go with you. You know this already. We will only bring attention to you and your kindred. Son, you’ll need to let your demon out. You will need to shadow-walk from here.”
