Chapter 35: Chapter 35
Trigger warning: pain, mentions of animal foul play
/Lukas POV/
I inhaled sharply as soon as I stepped in the dark soil of Caligo. Every time I am visiting the hellions my power intensifies. As the land was built your only for containing the chaos and by the strongest of all demons it caused the surge of power.
They were already aware of my visit because it was a matter of urgency. I could not avoid Fang any longer and let him sit alone in the dark cellar all by himself. If something was wrong with him I need to know so that I can help him get better.
Fang was still down. I could feel his sadness, it was very dark and powerful. Even more, as we were in Caligo. The supernatural creature also feels the same whenever they are in the land of darkness.
"My Lord" A hellion bowed down, his hands folded together.
Fang squealed, trying to sniff at him but I tugged him back. He always does that to strangers thinking that they would attack me. As if. At my tight hold, Fang slid back and bowed his head down again.
I focused my attention back on the Hellion. His clothes were ragged and worn out, a tight band secured around his forehead. My eyes went towards his nails which were overgrown. He did not have any slippers on, walking bare feet on the hot coal soil.
His body was shabby, drenched in the ash.
It's not like they don't have facilities to maintain themselves but they choose not. That's another part of their punishment. Most of them do not pay attention but those who truly want to repent stay true to themselves and try to experience every part of the punishment.
"Good evening. I am here to meet Virgil."
The hellion hummed, "Virgil is expecting you, my master. I am here to escort you"
"Lead the way," I said while trailing behind him. Fang was beside me, quietly following the hellion.
After five minutes of walking, we reached the caves. Caligo did not have any houses or mansions as the punishment was not meant to be luxurious. No one dared to think about building them. That's why most of them take shelter in the caves.
Virgil was one of the oldest people in the Caligo. He was a traitor who tried to overthrow the King of Hell. That's why he was still serving his punishment and redeeming for his act.
"Hello Virgil" I greeted as soon as I entered the cave. Three hellions were sitting beside him, shaping the iron wires which I'm sure they use in their dark magic. The cave was bright with blue coloured lights everywhere.
Fang was standing at the entrance, refusing to step inside.
He bowed down to me, "Apology my King for not noticing earlier."
"No problem"
"So what can I do for you, my Lord?"
I stared at Fang before meeting Virgil's eyes. There were so many things I could not explain over the letter. I went into detail about everything that occurred back in the mansion including the condition of Talia. His eyes widened with each sentence but he let me continue with the story.
"Is that Fang?" He asked while peeking at my pet.
I nodded my head, "He's a Hellhound now but was a stallion before"
"I am seeing Hellhound now"
"Oh yeah, the demons can see his true form" I explained almost biting my tongue. Why was I explaining this to him? Already know about considering he was one of the oldest demons of the Hell.
Virgil just nodded his head instead of calling me out on the mistake.
"He didn't follow you inside?" Virgil quirked his brow, his eyes on Fang. That was actually weird. Usually, Fang is always beside me it's his way of protecting me.
"That's weird, right?"
Virgil hummed, motioning towards the hellions so that they can try to get Fang inside. It was going to be an impossible task because he was really strong for a Hellhound. Most of the times Dean has trouble controlling him.
"I smell acid on him"
"Huh?"
Virgil cleared his throat, "Foul play. Someone did a number on him that is the reason he is scared to step inside. The walls around are engraved with the spells. The affected aren't able to step in. It makes their skin burn"
I looked around the walls and noticed the spells carved on them. They are almost impossible to recognise because of how tiny they are.
"That's what I want to find out. Who did this to him? I know that you can trace the person"
Fang growled as he was being pulled inside, his head thrown back and trying to escape. The hellions managed to drag him in but he was struggling.
"I can. But what do I get in return?" Virgil blinked at me innocently. Of course, I should have expected that from him. He always did this petty sort of deals from you ever wanted his help.
"A century. I'll sign it"
Basically, I was offering him to cut off his century punishment. He still had few centuries to serve before he would be allowed in Hell. That is if I agree with it.
Virgil brightened and stood up in a hurry.
"I will never forget your kindness my King"
I rolled my eyes, "Whatever. Now tell me who did this to him"
Virgil lifted his hand and stroked it down Fang's back. I held my breath as Fang whimpered in agony, thrashing around. Virgil mouthed something in Latin with his eyes closed. The hellions were holding Fang as the process went on.
"The spell is very powerful my lord. I can't figure it out"
I glared at him, "I thought you were expert in these things"'
Virgil made a sound, "I am my lord but I can't give you a name"
I grind my teeth together. He was my last hope in finding out what went wrong.
"But I can tell you where this came from"
I blinked back at him, "Where?"
"Mouth Olympus. It's a powerful spell. A goddess spell"
***
After he was done with Fang, Virgil made sure to cleanse Fangs energy and get rid of all the residue from the foul play. In the time I thought about Mount Olympus.
Why would anyone want to harm Talia from Olympus? It made no sense because the last time I visited them was ages ago. There was no rivalry between my Kingdom and Underworld. In fact, Hades and I were drinking buddies. Maybe I should take his help.
Everything felt too much. As much as I wanted people to not know about Talia and her pregnancy it felt impossible. Yama knows, Li Changying knows and most of the demons in that party eyed Talia. There has to be a way I can stop this.
"All done my King" Virgil cleared his throat. I nodded my head and signed off his sheet so that everyone knew he was going to be let out a century early.
Fang no longer seemed gloomy and sad. In fact, he was in a fresh mood, sniffing everything around and walking beside me.
I decided to go back to Hell as Talia seemed worried earlier. It felt nice to know that she cared enough to panic and stop me. Maybe I should take her something on the way back home. Calico isn't an ideal place for shopping and besides that, I have no idea what she likes. Apart from her favourite food.
Dejected I went back to Hell. I decided to tell the cook to make Talia's favourite food instead. With that thought, I hurried back to Hell with Fang beside me.
When I stepped in the kitchen everyone went quiet. I frowned trying to avoid meeting my eyes which was strange. Did something happen while I was gone?
"Is everything alright?"
Silence. No one answered but had their head bent down.
I clenched my jaw, trying not to panic at their silence, "Is someone going to answer me?"
Kira stuttered, taking a step towards me, "It's about Miss Talia King"
Dread settled in my stomach as those words rang in my ear. I should have known better than to leave her all alone. But Dean was staying back just to look after her.
"Where is Talia?" I growled and Kira flinched at my voice.
She lifted her head up, blinking back the tears in her eyes, "She left to take a walk outside the mansion but we cannot find her anywhere. Dean is searching for her"
I swallowed harshly, "When did she leave?"
Kira squeaked, "T-Two hours ago"
I balled my hands into fists and tried not to punch the nearest wall. How can she wander away like that? I took a deep breath, the vein in my forehead prominent.
"Okay, I'll find her. If Dean finds her tell him to come to me"
Kira nodded her head, "Okay my King"
I strode out of the kitchen, trying to think of the places she could be. Hoping that she's safe.
***