Chapter Eleven
Meet-And-Greet at the Party
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A cold breeze whipped around my body, chilling me to the bones. I shuddered as I gripped whatever was around me, covering my body with it. However, the cold breeze whipped right back through, and I groaned with annoyance. Why was there a window open?! Who the Hell does that? Annoyed, I kicked the blanket off and pushed myself up, only to realize I was in a different, dark, aboding room. I realized that I had fallen asleep on Kurai’s bed.
….
What the Hell?! I fell asleep here. Oh, that’s embarrassing. Okay, okay, no one knows.
“Let me just…” I murmured, gazing around to see if I had any belongings in his dark bed, but I didn’t. So I quickly gathered myself and glanced at his pillow area. It looks like he didn’t stay here. Thank the Celestials. That’s when I felt something gentle wrapped around my body, and I lifted my shirt a tad to see fresh bandages. I frowned as the memories from the night came washing over me.
The fox in chains—seeing him in chains and so scared and confused—the memory flashed in my brain, and I couldn’t help but feel heartbroken and angry for him. Why was that a thing? Why was his fox locked up? Why was he locked up?! The runes flashed in my memory as I remembered those; what could this have been about?
“Whatever, it’s fine. It’s okay. It’s all good,” I murmured as I got up to leave the room, only to be greeted by Enoxon, who was outside the door to the room.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty!” He greeted them loudly and cheerfully.
I squealed as he came out of nowhere with such a loud voice that rang in my ears. I swear I nearly backhanded him out of surprise but held myself together. “Can you not scare me like that?”
“Ah, my bad. I didn’t realize I would be scaring you in someone else’s room,” he teased.
Giving him a harsh glare, I huffed and crossed my arms. “I did as you told me to - go to him for the healing session.”
“Healing session, not sleep in his bed,” Enoxon teased gently. “Now, shoo, go get dressed. We’re keeping some important people waiting.”
I gave a half-smile, asking, “Important people?”
“Yes, Snow. Come downstairs shortly.”
With that, the young-looking sorcerer, who wasn’t secretly that young, turned away and disappeared down the stairs, and I went to my own room.
I stood before the tall mirror, my breath catching as I took in my reflection. My dress was a striking combination of red and black, each color complementing the other in perfect harmony. The bodice was a rich, deep red adorned with intricate black lace that traced elegant patterns across the fabric. The skirt flowed gracefully; a cascade of black silk shimmered with a subtle, regal sheen.
The dress was undeniably royal, with its elaborate design and how it fit me perfectly, hugging my waist before flaring out in a formal yet enchanting way. Despite its grandeur, something was charming about it, too—the delicate lace, the subtle sparkle of tiny gems sewn into the fabric, and how it made me feel like a princess from a fairytale.
I turned slightly, watching the way the skirt swirled around me, the contrast of colors creating a mesmerizing effect. My heart swelled with a mix of pride and excitement. This dress wasn’t just an outfit. It was a statement, a blend of power and grace, formality and charm. As I gazed at my reflection, I couldn't help but smile, feeling every bit of the royalty the dress suggested.
With a skip, I went downstairs to the kitchen, only to pass Kurai on the couch, snoring. The voices from the kitchen kept their own voices low, and I joined the two voices. To my surprise, Astaroth was here, and as soon as he saw me, I swear his face lit up with joy. However, after learning what Kurai and Enoxon had shared with me, I couldn’t help but freeze slightly.
Astaroth held his hand to me, and I hesitated, giving it a wary look. After what the others had shared with me, I didn't trust Astaroth much. Enoxon nudged the Duke with his elbow, prompting him to speak.
"My actions the other day were not intentional, and I sincerely apologize for what I did to you, Lady Snow. I hope you can forgive me—I promise never to do such a foolish thing to you again," Astaroth's low voice carried a hint of embarrassment. His shuffling posture made his discomfort evident.
I frowned at him. Although he seemed genuinely sorry, I definitely didn’t trust him very much after that.
“I understand your delayed trust, as I would be the same if I were in your shoes,” Astaroth stated. The Duke bowed with respect and then held out a cup of tea. “This is similar to Kashmiri Chai, with a few slightly changed spices. Perhaps it will help you feel better? I’m not a medicine expert, but I will certainly try.”
Hesitating, I stared at the tea for a second. But I took the tea from the Duke and tried it. The taste lingered on my lips briefly and hit my belly warmly. It had an exquisite taste. “T-Thank you,” I murmured through the cup of tea.
“Of course,” Astaroth replied, still feeling somewhat awkward.
“We are going to accompany Astaroth to the Palace today. Per the outfit, it seems you are ready to blend in with the rest of the Underworld's demons,” Enoxon commented, breaking the tension.
“The Palace?” I murmured, frowning some. Exploring more of the Underworld safely would be exciting, but I didn’t think going to the Palace would be best. I lowered my gaze to the cup of tea that warmed my hands, gentle white strands of hair falling over.
“You have nothing to worry about,” Enoxon comforted me. Mundus won’t allow anything to happen to you—especially in his Palace. You’re an honored Guest!”
“Absolutely,” Astaroth agreed. You’ll be under the supervision of myself and Casielle—if that makes you feel better.”
“And to be accompanied by one of the world’s most powerful sorcerers known to man here in the Underworld,” Enoxon chuckled, elbowing me slightly.
“What about Kurai?” I asked automatically, glancing over my shoulder toward the living room.
“After last night, he needs rest,” Enoxon replied, a bit heartbroken that I hadn’t responded to his comment.
A deep sigh escaped me as I thought about all the possibilities. What could possibly go wrong when I’m accompanied by a Celestial, a Sorcerer, and the Duke of the Underworld? Right? What if I ran into the demon while I was in His castle? What if the demon lived in His castle? My brain rotted with questions, to the point I didn’t realize I was squeezing the cup a little tight.
“Snow?” Enoxon broke the silence of my thoughts.
"Okay," I murmured gently. I set the tea down and took a few steps back to glance into the living room, where Kurai was still sleeping soundly. I should leave him a note to tell him where we were going. Grabbing a pen and paper, I wrote, "Gone to Lord Mundus’s Castle, we’ll be back later!"
Maybe we’d even return before he woke up. He looked so peaceful, his black locks covering his eyes and his amber freckles adding a touch of warmth to his face. Why did I care if he knew where we were going? Why should he care? I didn’t have answers to these questions. Why did it matter to me if he cared about me? Why was I even asking these questions?
“Will this outfit be okay?” I asked as I returned to the kitchen with the two magical beings.
“You will blend in well,” Astaroth complimented me, his gentle gaze locking with mine.
I couldn’t help but feel my stomach tighten up as he said that, feeling rather happy that it was said. No, I wasn’t the happiest it was from Astaroth, but it’ll be okay. I’ll take what I can get.
“Lovely choice. Kurai will be jealous,” Enoxon chuckled, patting me on the head and ruffling my hair.
Immediately, I ducked away and gave him a cold glare, awkwardly fixing my hair that he may or may not have messed up. "Are we using teleportation magic?" I questioned.
"Yes, that's correct. Come along; it's quite the bumpy ride," Astaroth replied, holding his gloved hand. I hesitated but ultimately took it. His hand wrapped around mine firmly as if I were a toddler trying to run off. He pulled me gently towards him. Enoxon took my arm on my other side and gave Astaroth a thumbs-up.
"Let us leave," Astaroth spoke gently. With a snap of his other hand, a brilliant blue light erupted, surrounding and engulfing us in its glow. My body felt as if it was being twisted and turned, the light coursing through and around me. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced; the sensation made my sideburn slightly, perhaps due to the tension I was holding.
Within seconds, we were no longer in the kitchen of Enoxon's home. I nearly lost my balance when we arrived, as we didn't land perfectly on the ground. Enoxon and Astaroth steadied me, and I thanked them. My eyes widened in awe as I took in the grandeur of Miserth Keep.
Miserth Keep, the imposing castle of the Underworld's king, stood before us. Its towering spires reached into the dark, clouded sky, each adorned with intricate carvings that told stories of ancient battles and forgotten lore. The castle walls were made of a dark, obsidian-like stone that shimmered faintly under the eerie, otherworldly light. Gargoyles and demonic statues lined the parapets, their eyes appearing to follow us as we moved.
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Massive iron gates guarded the entrance, intricately wrought with symbols and sigils that glowed faintly with a blue light similar to the one that had transported us. The gates creaked open as we approached, revealing a grand courtyard within. The courtyard was paved with black stone, and in its center stood a fountain that spewed forth not water but a ghostly, ethereal mist that swirled and danced in the air.
Inside, the castle was equally magnificent and foreboding. The grand hall was illuminated by chandeliers made of bones and adorned with crystals that cast an eerie glow. Tapestries depicting the history of the Underworld hung from the walls, their colors dark and muted. The air was thick with the scent of ancient tomes and a faint hint of sulfur.
I was genuinely surprised. I had always imagined the Underworld to be filled with flames and fire, as described in books. But seeing the outside of Hell frozen over was a stark contrast. It was crazy to think that the Underworld, which was supposed to be warm and hot, was cold. I wondered if this had something to do with the 'chain and ball' that the Celestials had placed on the Underworld. It seemed very unangelic for them to freeze it over. I was curious about what the Underworld had done to deserve this fate. The phrase, "I'll do this or that when the hell freezes over," would be a reality. People would have to fulfill many ungodly promises if they knew the current state of the Underworld.
It almost made me feel sad for this world. Yet, if demons were as cold and ruthless as described, I may be grateful they couldn't travel to the Human Realm. The thought of another demon attack made me wince.
“This is Miserth Keep within Asphodel Meadows. This is the Crimson Lord's Home of the Underworld. There is a lot to learn of the Underworld, so please pay attention and learn while you are here,” Astaroth introduced the area to me, bowing in respect as he did so. “Now, please do not leave the castle while you are here. It would be unpleasant to leave the castle without an escort.”
Hearing footsteps echoing from down the hall, I turned just in time to listen to a shrill squeal. "AH! I had no idea Snow was going to be here! Lord Mundus, you should’ve told us she would be here!" The young girl, Casielle, exclaimed.
Her sudden outburst caused me to jump back slightly, tensing my body and beginning to race my heart. As the echoes of her voice faded, I noticed who it was and relaxed a bit.
"Hello, Casielle," I greeted her, trying to steady my racing heart. Her energy was infectious, and despite my initial startle, I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
"Aw, I didn’t know humans could look so flawless! You’re as perfect as me!" she chirped, her eyes twinkling with genuine admiration. Her compliment caught me off guard, and I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. Casielle's innocent and unfiltered nature was both endearing and overwhelming.
The grand hall of Miserth Keep seemed even more imposing with her presence, and the contrast between her celestial light and the dark, foreboding architecture of the Underworld castle created a surreal atmosphere. The eerie glow from the chandeliers above cast long shadows on the walls. Still, Casielle's brightness seemed to chase away the darkness, if only temporarily.
Awkwardly, I smiled at her in response as I took in her outfit. Today, she wasn't clad in the armor I'd seen her in the other day. Instead, she wore colors that harmonized surprisingly well with the dark, majestic ambiance of Miserth Keep. Her long pink hair cascaded down her back, slightly curled at the ends, adding a touch of softness to her otherwise regal appearance.
She wore a long, maroon-red dress adorned with intricate gold details. A thin golden belt chain cinched around her waist, accentuating her figure, and wing-like tassels hanging elegantly from the side of her hip connected to the belt. The dress hugged her waist and body kindly, showcasing her simple curves and the gentle swell of her breasts.
The top half of the dress was more elaborate, designed like a corset wrapped around her torso. Golden linings traced the edges, accentuating the dress's intricate design. The golden trim wrapped around her bust and converged in the middle of the corset-like top, forming an arrow that pointed down.
Around her neck, she wore a metal-plated choker adorned with a slight blue gem that rested perfectly in alignment with the middle of her chest. The gem's soft glow contrasted beautifully with the rich tones of her dress. Her wrists were adorned with golden bracelets, and she wore delicate gold earrings that shimmered as they caught the light. The ensemble made her look every bit like an angel, a celestial being amidst the dark grandeur of the Underworld.
I’d lie if I said I wasn’t jealous of her. But how could one not be? She was an angel—or celestial, or whatever they called them. I was just... a human. The jealousy swirled in me as my palms felt sweaty and embarrassed. I was nothing compared to her.
I gazed up at the Underworld’s ruler, his presence foreboding and commanding. Lord Mundus stood tall and imposing, his figure silhouetted against the dim light of the grand chandelier above. His skin was an eerie, pale white, almost as if it had never seen the light of day. It contrasted starkly with the deep shadows cast by the flickering torches along the walls.
Two black horns jutted from his forehead, curving gracefully yet menacingly upward. They were polished to a dark sheen, adding to his intimidating aura. His eyes were a chilling ice-blue, piercing and unblinking, as if they could see through the very fabric of one's soul. They seemed to glow faintly, casting an icy light that sent shivers down my spine.
His attire was regal and dark, befitting his status as the king of the Underworld. He wore a long, flowing black cloak that draped over his broad shoulders and cascaded down the stairs. The cloak was adorned with intricate silver embroidery depicting ancient runes and sigils that shimmered in the dim light. Beneath the cloak, his armor gleaned dully, made of dark metal that seemed almost alive with faint, otherworldly energy.
As he descended the staircase, each step echoed through the grand hall, amplifying his presence. His movements were deliberate and confident, exuding an aura of authority and power that demanded respect—if not fear. The air seemed to grow colder with each step he took, the temperature dropping noticeably as if his presence drained the room's warmth.
“Thank you for joining us, Enoxon. I suspect Kurai wanted to pass, correct?” Lord Mundus’s voice questioned.
“Yeah, you know how he is with your parties,” Enoxon sighed.
We quickly glanced at the Lord and locked gazes for even a second. He was still intimidating, and those ice-blue eyes just sent all kinds of shivers down my spine. I hated it. The bluest of blue—that’s what I saw. But something flickered in them—relent? I’m not sure. He seemed annoyed by my presence.
“I will show her around!” Casielle squealed, grabbing my hands together and smiling. “We’ll be back shortly!” The Celestial tugged me away from the group.
I glanced over my shoulder as she pulled me, my eyes locking once more with Lord Mundus's cold stare before turning his attention back to Enoxon, who just grinned at me. The sorcerer even waved at me and told me to have fun. That’s when my tour of the castle started.
At the end of the tour, Casielle brought me to one last door. “You’ve seen all the boring stuff of the castle, but it’s still a marvelous place. I enjoy it; it's so different from The Celestial World—very unique,” the young woman stated, beaming brightly. “However, this is my favorite view in the entire Underworld. It’s the best view.”
She opened the door from the hallway, leading us out to a simple yet elegant deck. I followed her as she guided me to the railing. What lay before me was absolutely breathtaking. From this vantage point, I could see the entire city below us. We were high up, as Miserth Keep was perched on a hill, towering above the rest of the town.
Numerous buildings appeared down the long, winding path surrounded by jagged stones, their lights twinkling like stars in the darkness. The city was bustling with activity, stretching for what seemed like miles. Beyond the town, I could see a dense forest marking the edge of the urban sprawl. Although I couldn’t see beyond the forest, the view was still incredible.
A long river encircled one side of the city, reflecting the lights and adding a serene quality to the scene. In contrast, the other side was bordered by an expanse of trees. Approximately two-thirds of the city's perimeter was enveloped by forest, with the remaining third traced by the river. The contrast between the dark, mysterious forest and the lively, illuminated city was striking.
“With the darkness of the Underworld, watching the city lights really makes me feel at ease,” Casielle softly spoke, leaning against the railing and gazing out over the city.
“Thank you, Casielle,” I murmured quietly, gazing at the view before me.
“We have views similar to this in the Celestial Realm - but I’ve gotten so used to seeing something new that I’m always. Well, content here. It seems peaceful right now. No one ever gets to see this side of the Underworld,” Casielle sighed, pushing her long pink locks behind her ear.
“That’s too bad,” I replied. “I mean, it’s the Underworld, and it’s nothing compared to what I’ve read in books,” I replied, leaning against the railing with her.
“It really is,” She sighed. “I mean, not all demons are bad. It’s not the cleanest of places, you know, sinners and whatnot. But half of the demons here or souls don’t bother anyone but themselves. It’s like an entire civilization down here of wrong-doers.”
Listening to her speak about the Underworld made me question what the Underworld was even for. We’re all taught it’s for sinners, but who hasn’t sinned before… Right?
“Casielle,” I murmured, feeling a bit awkward. “I don’t know much about this world, but you seem to know. You’re a Celestial, right? What is happening to the Underworld?”
“After the Reaper's disappearance, things got pretty weird,” she replied, a sad smile on her lips.
"Reaper?" I questioned her, my curiosity peaking.
"To you humans, it's the Grim Reaper - the one who comes and collects the souls of humans."
“ Casielle! This is not her concern,” A low, rumbling voice sounded behind me.
I frowned, lowering my gaze toward the ground below me. The word 'reaper' stuck with me. I was curious as to what could've possibly happened to the Reaper. Indeed, they wouldn't just disappear without a trace, right? What was the job of a reaper besides collecting souls? Or is the Grim Reaper just like what's in our fairy-tail books in the human world, the one who comes and collects, as Casielle said?
“You can at least sound a bit nicer,” Casielle let out a gentle sigh, turning to greet the voice behind us.
I caught a glance, watching as the young man I met the other day - Zarall, approached us.
“Why are you up here wasting time, Casielle?” He asked, stuffing his hands in his pocket.
“I... Was just showing her around,” She replied, frowning.
“Snow, a lot is happening between our worlds. You are a human and are not inclined to learn the truth. I am sorry,” Zarall’s voice explained.
“But I’m here now,” I argued, frowning.
A gentle hand rested on my back as Casielle tried to reassure me.
“You can’t tell me a thing?” I questioned her.
“Just know, the Underworld is a frozen wasteland that seems to be pushing many boundaries. But we are bound to Michael’s words—and I cannot share with you.” She tried her best to comfort Casielle but seemed out of it.
“There’s a lot you cannot know until you are ready—if you will be,” Zarall stated, approaching the Celestial and me. You may learn one day, or your memories will unfortunately be wiped.”
“Don’t say silly things like that, Zarall!” Casielle sighed and shook her head. She then turned to me, smiling and forcing me to turn to her. “You’re not alone in this world, hun. You will never be alone in this world. Take Enoxon, for example - he is a human - or used to be. I’m not sure what he calls himself anymore. An elf of some kind? Honestly, I have no idea. He’s just magic.’
“Right, right,” I murmured, my voice trailing off as I turned back to the frozen river not too far away.
“Something you can know,” Casielle said, “Well, something else. All humans have a guardian. You're not alone, whether it’s a celestial or magical spirit.” She said with a soft chuckle.
Knowing that I wasn’t alone made me feel a bit better. Casielle had a way with words - in a good way. She was gentle and sweet. Zarall, on the other hand, felt a bit intimidated and awkward by his presence. He seemed rather protective over Casielle - which was none of my business. Perhaps it was because she seemed to have a blabbermouth. “I appreciate the tour, Casielle. I do, thank you. I’d be okay with you as my guardian,” I said, trying to make her and myself feel better.
“Of course,” She let out a soft laugh and gave me a squeeze of a hug.
“I am going to head back down now,” I told the two of them. “Thank you both,” I said and left the area to go back down.