Chapter Thirty-Two

The Abyssal Gardens

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“There’s no one here, you big oaf,” a second voice sounded, dripping with disdain. “We haven’t seen a soul in moons come to Tartarus, let alone here.”

“There is someone here, M’Lady,” the first voice insisted.

“It was probably one of your little garden imps,” the second voice retorted dismissively, but I could sense the underlying tension.

Kurai, we need to go, please. I thought urgently.

I told you I’d sneak us in. Kurai replied, But first, I can’t be in this form here - I’d burn things to the ground.

With a graceful shift, Kurai transformed from his extra-large fire-fox form to his human form—the one I was so familiar with. His multiple tails trailed behind him as I awkwardly slid from his fox back to his human back.

Before I could protest, he securely grabbed my legs, carrying me like a piggyback ride. I felt my face flush with embarrassment, not because of my broken foot but because of the sheer awkwardness of being taken this way.

"Uh, Kurai, this is really..." I began, my words stumbling over my embarrassment.

"Hold on tight," he interrupted, his voice steady and reassuring. I glanced at his face, expecting to see annoyance or impatience. Still, his expression was calm and focused, with a hint of amusement in his eyes. His lips curled into a slight, knowing smile as if he found my embarrassment endearing.

Despite mortification, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, trying to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks. Kurai didn't seem to mind; he focused entirely on our mission.

We reached the boundary of the Abyssal Garden. Kurai paused momentarily, eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. Satisfied that we were alone, he continued, slipping past the imposing gate and into the garden's outer edges.

The Abyssal Garden was a place of eerie beauty, with dark, twisted plants and glowing flowers that cast an otherworldly light. Kurai moved with purpose, searching for a secluded spot where we could hide from our pursuers. His eyes fell upon a dense thicket of bushes near a large, ancient tree. The foliage was thick and dark, providing the perfect cover.

"Here," Kurai whispered, his voice barely audible. He gently set me down, ensuring I was comfortable, before carefully parting the bushes to reveal a hidden hollow. It was just large enough for the three of us to fit inside.

Ember, my familiar fox spirit, appeared by my side. Her small, fiery form radiates warmth and reassurance. She nuzzles against my leg, sensing my anxiety and offering her silent support. I was grateful for the little fox cub, honestly. I’m glad my familiar is back with me.

“Sorry you had to carry me,” I quietly said to Kurai, avoiding his gaze as my cheeks still felt warm from the embarrassment.

Kurai shifted slightly, his expression a mix of annoyance and something softer. He crossed his arms, leaning against the cave's mossy wall. "Don't be stupid," he muttered, his voice gruff but lacking its usual edge. You were hurt. What was I supposed to do, leave you behind?"

I glanced up at him, surprised by the uncharacteristic gentleness in his tone. He noticed my look and quickly turned away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

"Besides," he continued, trying to sound indifferent, "it's not like you're heavy or anything." He paused, then whispered quietly, "Just... make sure you don't get hurt again. It's a hassle."

“I’ll try not to get thrown into a rock next time.” A small smile tugged at my lip, and my heart lit up. "Maybe I'll aim to get thrown into some flowers instead." Despite his rough exterior, his concern shone through. “Thank you, Kurai,” I said softly.

“Let me see your ankle,” he demanded, ignoring my thank you.

I huffed at his response but could not move my leg anyway—it hurt too much. So I grunted as I picked it up as best I could with my hand, carefully guiding my ankle without it flopping over. Even Ember had grabbed my destroyed socks and helped me.

“Oh, Great Overlords,” Kurai sighed as he gently picked up the end of my foot and held my ankle. He guided it to straighten my leg out. “Hold still.”

“Kurai, you really need to save your strength,” I told him, frowning.

“It’s fine - I haven’t slept in almost a week - I am okay.”

“A WEEK?!” I gasped. “Kurai, you mean to tell me you haven’t slept in a week?!”

“I hadn’t,” he said genuinely. The Nogitsune lifted his hand and began to wave it over my leg, his amber eyes closing as he did so. The warmth of the healing I was so used to from him began running through me. It felt just like when he’d work on my side, trying to rid the demon’s mark.

“Kurai, that’s not okay,” I told him gently, reaching to rest my hand on his wrist.

“I’m fine,” He replied gruffly, massaging the little magic he had left.

My gaze swept over him. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t slept in so long. How was he still here? Was he okay? If I am even up over 24 hours, I’m exhausted. Perhaps being a demon has something to do with it? Or maybe the demon wouldn’t let him sleep?

“You can’t keep pushing yourself like that, Kurai.” I rested my hand on his while he was reconstructing my ankle, and I squeezed it, insisting he stop. “My ankle will heal over time, but you need your strength. I’m halfway relying on you,” I said softly. Even you have limitations.”

He stopped, his gaze tired as he lifted his head to lock gazes with me. “Snow, I can’t afford to have limits, especially now that you’re in the picture. My sole duty is to protect—”

I shushed him, scooting closer as his warmth grew stronger the second I moved over. My shoulder, now touching his, I told him gently, “Your sole duty is to keep yourself alive too. I appreciate you being my guardian, I do. But if you ever need to break this contract,” my voice lower than a whisper, “I’d do it. All you have to do is tell me. I’d break it for you - Even if it meant losing every connection with you - to see you free.” I said, my eyes twinkling with sadness.

“You don’t mean that; you enjoy having me at your command,” he said jokingly. "Demons don’t just get to break contracts, Snow.”

I nodded, my gaze unwavering. "I do, Kurai. I care about you too much to see you suffer because of me. Your freedom is more important than any bond we share. You’re only here because of me.”

Kurai's usual confident demeanor faltered, and he looked away, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "I-I’m not suffering," he stammered, trying to regain his composure.

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off, his grip on my chin tightening slightly. "Listen to me," he said, his tone softening. "I chose to be here, to run with you the instant you set those chains free. I could’ve easily gone after those pieces of shit,” He growled aggressively. “Protecting you is not just an obligation. It's my purpose. Without you, I’d be lost. Besides, you’re the one who needs protection. What would you do without me?”

I stared back into his amber eyes and could feel his heart beating faster as he said that. “I’d - probably… I’d probably be gone?” I whispered to him. “B-but,” I said, my cheeks lighting up pink as I spoke. “Perhaps eaten instead? I have no idea,” I tried my best to avoid his gaze, but it was damn near impossible.

"Don't be ridiculous," he told me gently. I would've met you eventually, perhaps another time later. But I still would have been brought to your realm."

"Maybe not?" I tried to argue, "I need you to take care of yourself, though, Mr. Gaurdian."

His expression softened, and the weight of his responsibilities lifted momentarily. All his focus was on me in this tiny secluded cave we had escaped into. He sighed, his eyes closing briefly before opening them again. His cheeks tinged with a faint blush, letting go of my chin but now fumbling his fingers into mine, holding them tightly. “I know,” He said quietly, his voice a mix of embarrassment and determination. “I’m not good at this kind of thing,” He said, embarrassed, turning away from me.

My stomach churned as his emotions crept into mine. I could feel everything he was feeling—the pain, the guilt, the embarrassment—all there, clashing with mine. A soft chuckle escaped me as I looked at his blushing face, and I couldn’t help but smile. “You know I can feel your embarrassment, right?” I teased him.

Kurai's blush deepened, and he quickly turned his head away, trying to regain his usual stoic demeanor. "That's cheesy, Snow," he mumbled, his voice gruff but lacking its usual edge.

I nudged him playfully with my shoulder. “Oh, come on, Mr. Serious. Lighten up a bit. You know, I don’t get to see you smile often. It’s like spotting a rare mythical creature.”

He huffed, still looking away. “I do smile,” he muttered defensively. “Just... not when you're looking.”

“Is that so?” I leaned in closer closer to him. “How about now? Am I making you smile?”

His body stiffened, and I could feel the heat radiating from his cheeks. “You’re impossible,” he grumbled, but there was a hint of a smile in his voice.

“Impossible? Me?” I teased, squeezing his hand. “You should see yourself right now, blushing like a schoolboy.”

"Whatever," He muttered. "Let me see your dumb, stupid ankle." His eyes shifted to my leg, and I watched him work.

His embarrassment is still intense, though. "I guess you have more emotion than rage," I said quietly.

As he resumed healing my ankle, his movements a bit more awkward than usual, I felt a surge of emotions—his emotions—washing over me. It had been three weeks since we last saw each other, and the separation had taken a toll on us. His worry, exhaustion, and something else—something more profound—mixed with my feelings of relief and longing.

"Kurai," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I missed you."

Kurai's hands paused, the glow of his healing magic flickering slightly. His six fox tails seemed to stiffen in response to my words. He looked up, his fox-like ears twitching, their tips darker than the rest of his hair. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions. "I... I missed you too," he admitted reluctantly, his blush deepening. "But don't get any weird ideas, okay? I'm just—"

Before he could finish, I reached up and gently tugged on one of his fox ears, a playful smile on my lips. "You know, these ears are adorable when they twitch," I teased, my tone light and affectionate.

Kurai's face turned a deeper shade of red, and his ears twitched in response. "Snow cut it out," he grumbled, trying to sound harsh but failing miserably. "I'm serious. I'm trying to focus on your damned ankle."

I giggled softly, my fingers tracing the outline of one of his six tails. "And these tails... they're so fluffy. How do you manage to keep them so perfect?"

"Snow!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of exasperation and embarrassment. "Stop messing around!"

I leaned closer, my playful demeanor giving way to a more severe expression. "But I like seeing you like this, Kurai. You always try hard to be tough, but I know you have a softer side. And I miss that side."

He looked at me, his eyes searching mine for a moment. Our mixed emotions grew stronger, and I could feel his resolve wavering. “Snow,” He whispered. “You had no idea how worried I was about you,” His voice filled with raw vulnerability. “The instant you disappeared, and everything confused me. I was actually worried about you. I was genuinely worried?! I don't worry about people - but knowing you went off somewhere with Yushin, knowing damned well, there's a demon after you. I was actually... Scared. I don't feel fear - I'm not supposed to. I'm a demon in the Underworld - a Nogitsune. But you... I… I can’t lose you.”

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“You won’t,” I promised. “We’ll get through this together.” I offered him a gentle smile.

“You… are... so.." He tried to speak, but it seemed his voice was lost. He leaned in suddenly and pressed his lips against mine. I was too stunned to react momentarily, but then I kissed him back, my hands gently cradling his face. This kiss carried all the emotions we had been holding back—relief, longing, and something unspoken yet powerful. When we finally pulled away, both of us were breathless. Kurai's face was a deep shade of red, and he looked everywhere but at me.

Suddenly, Kurai pulled away, his eyes wide with panic and his face flushed with embarrassment. "Shit,” I heard him murmur under his breath. “I'm sorry," he stammered, looking down at the ground. "I shouldn't have done that. I’m your Guardian, not–”

Before he could finish, I grabbed his hand, pulling him back towards me. "Kurai, stop," I said firmly, my voice steady despite the rush of emotions. “Don’t do that,” I whispered to him.

He looked up at me, eyes wide with surprise and uncertainty. "Snow, I—"

I didn’t let him finish. I leaned in and kissed him again, more passionately this time, letting him know through my actions that it was okay—that we were okay. His initial shock melted away, and he slowly responded, his hands finding their way to my waist, pulling me closer.

The kiss deepened. When we finally pulled away again, both of us were breathless, but this time, Kurai's eyes held a mixture of relief and wonder.

"Snow..." he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled, resting my forehead against his. “We’re in this together, remember? I came to Tartarus, stupid as hell of me to do, knowing I don’t know anything yet.”

His eyes searched mine, and his expression softened, those amber eyes staring into mine with a slight smile. “Thank you for coming here for me," he whispered, pulling me closer and wrapping his arms around me tightly. His tail wrapped around me as he held me close to his body. “I promise, as your guardian, I will not let anything happen to you,” he whispered as if we were the only two people in the world. “I-if you let me.”

“Only if you swear to me, you’ll take care of yourself,” I told him.

“Of course, I’m just a demon in hell,” he chuckled, his adorable smile returning. "I'm stuck in a pact with one of the strongest Reapers I know.”

"I wouldn't say strongest," I said embarrassingly. "I don't really know much."

"Plenty of time to learn," He reassured me as his hand reached the back of my head, gently running his hands through my white hair.

Finally, Kurai loosened his grip slightly, his hands resting on my waist. "Let's get that ankle of yours fixed up," he said, his tone gentle yet focused. "We have much to do, and I need you ready."

I nodded, grateful for his care and concern. As he resumed healing my ankle, I watched him work, his concentration unwavering. His hands moved with precision, a soft glow emanating from his fingertips as he channeled his energy into the healing process. In these moments, I truly appreciated the depth of his dedication and the lengths he would go to protect me.

I felt his earlier embarrassment fade away, soon replaced by a sense of pride and excitement. A small chuckle escaped my lips as I observed him. He’s always cared. I just knew it. Every interaction, every conversation, every time I needed someone—he was there for me since day one. I mean, he had to be, right? But was he only there because that's what I wanted? No, he said he didn’t want to break the contract. Or was that just a cover-up? My head swirled with questions and doubts creeping in.

“Now it’s your turn to relax,” he said gently. I can feel your emotions, too. You’ve nothing to worry about, okay? I meant every word I’ve said.”

Sensing my inner turmoil, Kurai looked up, his eyes meeting mine with a steady gaze.

His reassurance washed over me like a calming wave, and I took a deep breath, letting go of the doubts gnawing at me. Kurai's presence constantly reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this. He was more than just my Guardian; he was my partner, confidant, and perhaps more.

A few minutes after working, he patted my ankle gently. “How’s that feel?” He questioned me.

“It feels better, thank you,” I said, wincing at the pain in my side where the demon had marked me. Luckily, my arm wasn’t hurting, and the mark on my side was a bit burned.

“Ah yeah,” He murmured, closing in on me again. “Here, lay down.”

“Kurai, there are too many rocks here,” I huffed.

“I know,” Kurai said quietly, his tail ruffling behind me. “Just do it?” The nogitsune motioned to the black tails stacked on each other, almost like a pillow. He ran a hand through his hair, and I noticed he was sweating slightly. To think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him sweat - was he really this worn out?

“Kurai, I think-”

“Shh,” He shushed me, giving me a slight glance with those amber eyes. “It’s my turn to take care of you, okay? I promise I will rest after this.”

“It’s been a week since you’ve slept.”

“And it’s been three since I’ve been able to help you,” he recoiled as he looked at his clothes. Your clothes are destroyed, your hair is a mess, but I'm here for you now,” he added, and a slight chuckle left him. You really tried to fight Gorathar?”

“Who?” I questioned as I felt his gentle hands run down my side with quick motions, full of heat.

“The demon-beast, I assume. He was the one at the very beginning,” He stated as his hands touched my skin gently.

“Oh, yeah. But Ember saved me,” I said with a soft smile. "I was able to get away thanks to…” I trailed off as I remembered Enoxon, who had initially helped me.

“Thanks to?” Kurai questioned, his hands resting on my side as he began the session.

His warm hands sent shivers down my spine, such a gentle touch as he did so. I could feel his nails tracing the black lines on my skin. It tickled.

“... Enoxon,” I murmured. "I took a pendant from his room, and he connected with me telepathically,” I explained to Kurai. He told me a spell that I should use, and I was able to get away.”

“Traitor,” Kurai spat at the name ‘Enoxon,’ his anger fueling him now and replacing all the compassion. I don’t think he realized that his nails were no longer ticklish but rather painful now.

“Kurai,” I murmured, glancing down at his hands, which were no longer gentle.

“S-sorry!” He quickly said, his ears flattening against his head. “I, um, I didn’t mean to.”

“I know,” I said quickly to calm him down. “But no, Enoxon told me to use the pendant and told me a spell that allowed me to go invisible.”

“That’s how he tracked you,” Kurai said, ears flat. "He knew exactly where you were and what you were doing. Where is the pendant now?” He asked me as he resumed focusing on the demon mark.

I glanced toward the backpack, not even thinking about how it could be the possible way Enoxon was trying to track us. Worry washed over me, as I had hoped the pendant wasn’t still there. I used my foot to pull the backpack closer to Kurai and me, opening it the best I could. I couldn’t see anything but the Grimoire from where I was lying. “Last I had, it was in the backpack,” I explained to Kurai.

He paused for a moment and searched it for me, but the only thing he pulled out was the Grimoire. “It must’ve fallen out,” he said with relief. "You can’t take things from sorcerers. It’s always going to have some kind of spell on it.”

“Well, he saved me from a fight with that Gorathar guy,” I commented, feeling slightly bad. Perhaps this was all a big misunderstanding, and maybe Enoxon wasn’t a bad guy? How he looked at that woman, though, when the demon magically ported her in, fear was hitting him like a truck. He was scared - if this demon really did have this woman, Enoxon would go crazy - like he did. I guess if it were me instead, Kurai would have done anything.

I glanced at him, my eyes curious with questions now.

“What?” He asked, sending one more wave of warmth restoration magic through me before resting his hand on the mark as if he were trying to examine it.

“What would you do… In a scenario such as that?” I asked him.

“It depends on who I’m fighting for,” he replied quickly. This demon mark seems different,” he murmured.

“Well, someone you cared for, right? Nova was supposedly the love of Enoxon’s life,” I quickly said, embarrassed as I questioned it. Why did I want to? It doesn't matter what he does.

“Nova was Enoxon’s everything,” He said as he once more traced the mark with his long fingers, sending another shiver down my body.

“He told me their story – how Nova sacrificed herself for him. Also, stop doing that,” I squirmed away from him.

His ears perked immediately, and his attention turned toward the small, secluded cave entrance. He gave Ember, sleeping peacefully, a gentle push and made his way to the front.

“I am telling you, you big oaf, no one is here!”

“Your majesty, you’re wrong. There’s a mortal here - I can smell her.”

“Your garden imps are always causing issues!”

Your majesty? I questioned.

Kurai and I exchanged glances with one another, curious.

“Mortals cannot come to Tartarus, especially with that thing running around destroying everything! Their soul would be devoured by it,” The woman's voice wavered as if she knew she was wrong.

Suddenly, a shadow stopped in front of the bushes, blocking our exit into the Abyssal Gardens. “I do not understand why you cannot sense them, Serelia.”

Serelia?! Kurai and I immediately tensed up.

That’s when I watched as Kurai was grabbed and dragged out of the tree. He motioned for me to stay quiet before he was pulled up and out of the bushes.

“See, it’s just the nogitsune,” The woman’s voice sighed. “Nothing else, and no one else is here!”

“Just the nogitsune locked up by the same demon terrorizing the entire realm of Tartarus?!” The second voice argued as I saw a large stone hand reach once more into the mossy tree.

Suddenly, I saw some vines slither into the area, moving as if alive. They crawled up my legs, wrapping around my ankles before pulling me out of the mossy tree cave. I quickly grabbed my backpack as I was pulled out, but it was opened, and all my things had fallen out.

The vines tightened their grip, hoisting me into the air. I dangled helplessly, suspended several feet above the ground, as the ancient creature's tendrils coiled around me like serpents. The luminescent veins within the vines pulsed with an eerie glow, casting an unsettling light on my surroundings.

There, I was dangling next to Kurai as we were both wrapped up in these vines from this ancient creature.

Just be quiet, I heard his voice speak to me, his gaze locking with mine. Let me do the talking.

“You were saying?” The creature questioned ‘Serelia.’

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying foliage mixed with the acrid tang of the Guardian's presence. My eyes were drawn to the Guardian: its towering form loomed over the landscape, its crystalline horns glinting in the dim light, and its four glowing eyes fixed on me with a predatory intensity.

“How… How did you get in here?!” The woman demanded.

And then I saw her: Lady Serelia. The former Queen of the Underworld, long thought to be dead, was here in Tartarus, within the Abyssal Gardens. Even in this twisted, shadowy place, her beauty was undeniable. She stood tall and regal, with an air of authority that seemed to command the darkness around her. She looked just like the portrait back in Mundus’s castle.

Serelia's dark red hair cascaded down her back like a river of blood, contrasting sharply with her pale, almost ethereal skin. Her eyes, a striking shade of demonic red, glowed with an inner fire that hinted at her formidable power. Black horns curved elegantly from her head, adding to her imposing and otherworldly appearance.

Though Kurai had declared he would handle the talking, he was caught staring at her, his usually composed demeanor faltering.

“S-s-ser-elia,” He stuttered.

This woman had taken him in, raised him, and cared for him—the same woman who had been the Underworld Queen and kept both Kurai and Mundus safe. The sight of her brought a flood of memories and emotions that left him momentarily speechless. His eyes locked on her with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

“Um, Hi,” I said embarrassedly, staring at her while still dangling upside down.

“Terranis! Put them down! This is no way to treat guests!” the feisty lady demanded, giving him a hot glare with her red eyes.

“GUEST?!” The Guardian hollered. “They are trespassing, Serelia!”

“Terranis,” She said, crossing her arms and huffing at him. “Down,” She told him as though she were talking to a dog.

The vines began loosening their grip, and I felt myself lowered to the ground. My feet touched the soft, mossy earth, and I stumbled slightly, regaining my balance. Kurai was also released, landing gracefully beside me.

Terranis, the Guardian, let out a low, rumbling growl, his crystalline horns gleaming ominously. His four glowing eyes narrowed in frustration, but he obeyed Serelia's command. The vines retracted, slithering back into the shadows from whence they came.

I took a moment to catch my breath and steady my racing heart. The tension between Serelia and Terranis was palpable, and it was clear that Serelia held significant authority over the ancient Guardian.

Serelia turned her attention back to us, her expression softening slightly. "Forgive Terranis," she said. "He is very protective of this place and does not take kindly to intruders."

“I thought… I thought…” Kurai stuttered, and I approached him, hoping to encourage his words. I felt slightly intimidated by this woman, who was slightly taller than me.

“Kurai, it’s nice to see you again,” Serelia said. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? You’ve grown since I last saw you—a tiny, helpless cub with a single tail. And now, look at you!” she exclaimed, tightening the cloak that rested on her hair, hiding it. You have six tails!”

I watched the exchange, feeling like an outsider in this reunion. Serelia held a special place in Kurai's heart, almost like a mother figure. Serelia's gaze shifted to me, and her expression hardened slightly. "And you, mortal. What is your purpose here? How did a mortal enter our realm?"

“I um. I uh,” I said, feeling sheepishly.

“Speak up, mortal!” The woman’s harsh tone sounded.

“She’s here - with me,” Kurai immediately stepped in.

I shook my head. “I came in through a portal. I had to.”

Serelia’s eyes narrowed; momentarily, I thought she’d dismiss me. Nervously, I shuffled and ended up tripping over one of the vines in the garden. I fell, my backpack spilling its contents out—including the Grimoire. Before I could gather my things, I watched a black shadow lift the book off the ground and into Serelia's hands.

“How do you have this?” she asked, her magic skimming through the pages.

“I, um,” I stammered, nervously gathering the rest of my belongings.

Kurai offered to help me, and I graciously took his hand, feeling the warmth and reassurance in his grip.

Serelia’s eyes remained fixed on the Grimoire, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. “This is no ordinary book,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of wonder. “Where did you find it?”

“It was... um, given to me,” I said, breathing deeply to steady my nerves.

“It was given to you?” She questioned.

“Lady Serelia, what shall we do with these intruders?” Terranis asked.

“Let them speak,” The woman replied, gazing through the Grimoire.

Terranis huffed again, clearly still displeased, but he remained silent. His imposing form was a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked in the Abyssal Gardens.

“Follow me,” She stated as she began to turn and leave the garden.

As we walked, the atmosphere around us grew even more foreboding, the shadows deepening and the air growing colder. The Abyssal Gardens were a place of beauty and peril, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched.

“Kurai,” Serelia said as we walked, “I’m happy you are doing well. You’ve grown strong, but you must be more careful. Tartarus isn’t a place to play in.”

Kurai nodded, his expression hardened as he replied, following closely next to me. “I understand, Lady Serelia - but we are here on business.”

She glanced back, her eyes filled with suspicion as she locked gazes with me. “I hope you are careful not to bring other strangers to my domain. It’s hard enough to keep this place hidden.”

“Yes, of course,” Kurai replied, bowing his head slightly.

As we walked in silence, I couldn’t help but notice how Serelia’s fingers lingered on the Grimoire, a hint of recognition in her eyes. It was as if she knew the book intimately, but she said nothing. So this was the all-powerful Queen of the Underworld? The entire Underworld thought she was dead, right? So why was she here, in Tartarus? Specifically, why was she watching over this sanctuary? She could be ruling the undead right now, commanding them at the flick of a wrist. What happened to the Queen, who was supposed to be all-powerful?