Chapter 40

Willow

I followed them down the hall and to the cars. We all got in a black Nissan, honestly not what I was expecting with how Kaizen drives. There was a small emotional pain that came from thinking about him He was sentenced at midnight so I wouldn't see him again until what felt like eternity.

Lord that was unnecessarily dramatic

"The best thing for being mate-sick is getting out, and not letting your emotions get to you." Said Isabelle, who put her hand on me gently. I agreed to spend time with them and to open up

They encouraged me to smile, and when we got to the parking lot, a valet had a key that Kaizen's mother took.

"I was thinking we go into town and have breakfast at Royal Café, My treat." Said Harmony.

"Then we could show her the pack here." Beamed Grace.

"I would like that." I said with a small smile.

As much as I hated how this played out, I couldn't hate them but I don't think I'd ever forget either. The bitterness I felt lingered like the aftertaste of lemon pith Its rind held sour fruit, one that tasted like what a broken connection feels like.

"Whatever ideas you have are Welcome." I mumbled. "It's like a raw wound." I mumbled.

"I know. And I know you probably feel powerless about this" Said Nixxia. "Before my mate, I was a blood slave to the Vampires. I was bred to be drained. And then you saw Lord Xaxas exhibit his true presence up close without warning." She glared at the castle, as if she was also mad at the King.

"He had to do that." I admitted. "I could tell those two wouldn't have just stopped."

There was general agreement, and we headed into town. The modern homes reminded me of a rich suburb, however there were a few old buildings scattered here and there. They reminded me of the elvish buildings in their village and I was reminded of another fond memory.

"The Omegas live in town, and commute to the castle. They work with us, because those with elder's blood can be too much for a regular wolf." Said Isabelle, seeing my curiosity.

"I kind of heard a Little about that." I'd also seen it too with Kaizen "What about your titles? Are all of you Risen? What does that mean?" I asked.

"The short of it is that it makes us unable to die." Said Harmony. Nixxia, Izzy, and I share this title, since we are married to the three Princes of Hell."

"But we didn't know that." Said Nixxia. "Well I didn't at least I was a mortal blood slave before all this."

"Before, I thought my mate was a normal werewolf." Said Isabelle. "Then one day he kind of just came home with horns." She giggled. I did too. I knew there was likely more to it than that, but I enjoyed the moment.

"Wow Kaizen always said he'd be a general." I mumbled I wondered should I bring it up but I'd wait.

"He's not wrong either. We were claimed by grandfather." Said Grace.

I was making small talk, avoiding my real question. I knew with titles like that, they all probably heard me. They were just polite about it. I knew through Kaizen, titles indicate that someone is able to do something Like Charred is his elemental fire bite, and the other council members also do some elemental thing

But he told me to be wary of vague titled people. Most of them were Old Ones unkillable, ancient servants of Hell's Crown Prince, Xaxas. The Horned One allotted each son a fourth of hell to rule as they saw fit.

That part I knew from the church stories. I never thought I'd ever see anything like them, yet I sat next to their wives and daughter. Married to a son. I wondered who else was out there. They didn't butt in. It was nice. It made me feel respected.

When Isabelle pulled into a space, we got out the car. The Café here looked homely, with a barn house aesthetic to it. It was shaped like a log cabin, yet, the light gray painted, hardwood furniture looked to be made of rustic finished walnuts and maples. People bowed immediately, though they gave royal nods to release them. I'd seen Kaizen do that, since even though he was a fugitive, people still respected the crown.

We sat down, and a pot of coffee, crème, and sugar was left for us to sip while we all decided pancakes would be best. It seemed the same wheat that was served at Wix's party was popular. It was served here as well, meaning that other older creatures must have used it as a substitute for normal wheat as well. They came with it nearly instantly too, making sure we had enough syrup, butter, and jam.

I think this was one of the few times that I Actually felt like a princess

"I have a question." I said cutting into mine. It smelled so good to taste like cardboard but I knew that was this damn connection To be loved by someone so fully would make a void like this when they're gone.

"I was wondering Nixxia How does it feel?" I asked, referring to what she'd said about herself... that once she was a blood slave. I saw the pens If she was raised down there or not it didn't matter That vampires had her was enough.

"I was Weak human. I was subject to do whatever it was I was commanded. They gave me special privileges since my blood grade was so high, but I was still made to know my place. No one could put their hands on me but it wasn't a walk in the park either." She admitted. "Now I'm strong I'm not just hiding behind my mate as a shield." She said proudly.

"Would you like to be turned?" Asked Grace.

-----Kaizen-----

"Help!" Screamed a false Willow, being mauled by a mechanical monstrosity.

It looked, smelled, and sounded like her. I lost control and she was taking the brunt of its punishment

"You lost control again." Said Slah-hesh'Rrah impatiently.

For 365 days, I was beaten and boiled. My flesh was made to dehydrated jerky, and every breath held at least a little salt.

But that was a year ago now I had finally gotten back into shape. I was stronger for it too. I lived through the eyes of my victims every day, experiencing the hurt and betrayal they felt. I was made to understand this at a fundamental level while in unbearable pain yet

You do not lose consciousness here and nothing numbs their methods. Death does not come for the dead.

"Put up another." Said the Lord of Murder, snapping his fingers, and replaying the Harvest Moon Night I had to keep the automatons away from the soul, yet also combat the wooden wind-up robots from getting to her without losing control, and without giving a 'killing' blow.

I got to witness the repeated death of Willow as well It was my worst fear and biggest trigger It was why at the moment, I used every ounce of strength I had to fight the demonic energy powered clockwork automaton

It was a mannequin of black wood, that twirled and danced while holding a blunt club. If I failed again, it would beat 'Willow' to death.

I didn't even know puppets existed in hell, yet this one made the sound of a music box, clicking and whirring toward the visage of my little helpless wife The actor of which was a soul, though the screams of pain when I failed sounded exactly like my mate

"Fucus." Said Slah-hesh'Rrah. "Use your head, young master." He said looking silently at the false sky. This Layer of Tarteron wasn't on the surface, yet the black sun gave the dark crimson sky light enough that you knew it was day.

My mate died again. But this time there was a slow clap.

"Such a painful punishment. Your flesh looks tired." Grandfather said casually. In his domain, one could feel the words he spoke It reverberated on your bones, a sensation I could not begin to describe as anything other than deplorable

"I wish to continue." I protested, ignoring my desire to quit from his command I need this control.

"You will improve in time. I will allow this penance to persist despite how much I disagree with the method I see results." He said looking briefly at Slah-hesh-Rrah.

"Thank you master." He bowed.

"Look boy." He pointed; the living wood twirled like a ballerina before knocking the head off Willow one last time.

As much as I knew it wasn't real as I was All I could do was look and lament. I did not lose control, but I wanted to

"Come have lunch with me. Your grandmother made pie, and I won't be the only one who has to ingest her confection" He said with worry.

"Is it That bad?" I asked.

He cringed.

"I have been offered many things as sacrifice from worms to rotted bodies piled high but nothing pales in comparison to the burnt, raw abominations of Lulliba's handyworkAnd WE are going to eat every bite, and give her warm smiles as if we're eating chocolate cake."

I'd been beaten and roasted battered and beaten. But I don't think I wanted to run away With his teleport, we were at his grand, black stone palace And I could smell her monstrosity from here The undeniable scent of raw dough and burned bread

"If she asks you will tell her you want seconds." He commanded, steeling himself. "My dear, I brought one of our grandchildren." He smiled wide. They hugged, and then she turned to me.

As the Moon Goddess, grandmother's true skin tone was the color of moondust, while her hair was silvery white in her happiness she literally glowed, and I could see why grandfather threatened me so badly her clothes were even burned.. holy shit.

She hugged me, smelling of campfire. "I love you so much! I made apple pie!