BURNING BLOOD

HELLS FIRE

(Alarik)

Great power was arising from Issa's body and like a thunderstorm, it engulfed all of us.

I could hear her heartbeat, strongly stirring her true self to the surface. Her eyes were no longer foggy-grey but a bright silver.

The hair became longer and redder. Her pearly skin was shimmering. Issa's long fingers were resting on her chest, in a way trying to adapt and reassure herself.

She was no longer spellbound!

She inhaled and whispered a rime. And like that, the Book was in her hands.

It seemed like time stood still. No one dared to say anything or to move.

Although, all I was thinking was how badly I wanted to kiss her.

She winked in my way.

"What are you waiting for??"

I heard her voice in my mind.

"So you figure out how to mind-link?".

" Oh darling, this is just the tip of the iceberg!!"

she smirked at my puzzled expression.

I saw Echo looking at her intensely, his eyes focused on hers.

Emrys was mimicking him while Soran was silently listening to her heartbeat.

I tried to figure out what they were looking for. Something that I have missed.

And then I saw that too...a flash of dark purple between the known amber shade.

Her heart started to beat strongly, an inhumane rhythm, almost like ours.

But she isn't an old-blood creature, nor a hybrid of ones, and so knowing that- we had a new mystery!

(Emrys)

When all the bounds were released I felt that enormous energy swirling in her blood.

Different from anything before, but somehow familiar.

The others were thinking the same as she stared at the Book in her hands.

Slowly she put her finger on the cover and traced a symbol.

The Book opened for itself somewhere in the middle.

We were approaching her quietly to see what was written.

I stood near her and peaked. Nothing. Blank.

But she was reading, for us, some invisible words.

"Let my Knights see"

she demanded and the Book complied.

(Issa)

"The first is hidden in clear sight, resting on the chest of the darkest light"

I read loudly deciphering immediately the meaning of the riddle.

"So now what?

Where should we be going?"

asked Soran.

"You didn't catch it?!"

my question was for each of the men looking at me.

"Gentlemen, we are going to Hell! Precisely we need to visit Lucifer"

I announced striding back to the house while closing The Book.

They nodded and left with me without saying a word.

When we were at the porch of the house they suddenly halted.

"I'll call my father so he could give us a pass-through,"

Soran said quickly,

"mine will explain our visit to Lucifer"

added Emrys.

"Everybody go prepare and be ready to leave in an hour"

Alarik's deep voice boomed through the house.

Echo was strangely thoughtful.

"Are you ok?

Is something bothering you?"

I tapped his elbow,

" Uhm?! Beg your pardon?"

he distractedly asked.

"Echo is something wrong?

Why are you so serious ?"

now I was preoccupied with his attitude,

"Don't worry.

I just can't help but wonder if he will give the gemstone without attempting some sort of mischievous game"

his eyes were looking at me

"so, please be careful and remember that he is a trickster!"

he said and left in his room.

I stood there alone in the big hallway trying to process all that happened.

The Book in my hand sparkled and opened itself somewhere in the end.

I looked at the page to find a picture of a bracelet next to an inscription:

" to contain what you collect, make and restore, be that weapons or any metallic tool and hide within all that you need taking the whishing form"

as I read it the bracelet went from the page to my left hand retrieving The Book into itself.

"Amazing!"

I whispered thinking how a simple ring would be better. The bracelet morphed into a silver band and went on my middle finger.

I blinked a few times and asked the ring if it could change into a triband of steel, copper, and gold knowing that silver hurts some supernaturals.

My request was granted in a wink. Surprisingly, I felt comfortable whiling such abilities.

I admit to myself that I still don't know all the powers and strength that I have or what I'm supposed to do next.

But for everybody's safe, I must do all that I can!

After showering I put on a simple black shirt, my favorite jeans, and flats. Without makeup or styling my hair I was ready before them.

I was feeling uneasy but a voice in me soothed my worries.

"Ready?"

asked Emrys,

"Not really, but let's go"

I replied nervously.

"Don't worry kitten, we are by your side!!

Nothing will happen to you!"

Alarik's words subdued my panic.

Soran was in the library, standing near a huge mirror that I have never seen before.

The ornaments around the frame were similar to the ones covering The Book.

It took me a second to realize that we are going to walk through it.

"So, we are going like Alice?!"

I asked chucking,

"Who?"

Alarik looked at me confused.

"Oh, honey!!

He is a caveman and doesn't know what are you referring to!"

Echo's comment made Alarik growl and snap his jaw at him.

"Down boy!!

I was just joking!"

replied Echo and stood there amused.

"Stop it!!

You all like to tease each other too much!!

Now isn't the time for that!!"

I was already nervous and their bickering add more fuel to it.

"Alarik, Alice in Wonderland, and thru the mirror are movies based on storybooks,"

I said quietly and then looked at the others

"can you at least once act your age?!".

The question made all four men laugh. I raised an eyebrow quizzically.

" Would you like us to be serious and grumpy?!"

asked Soran,

"humorless and decrepit?"

added Emrys still laughing.

"You, you...argh!

You are driving me crazy!!"

I shouted facepalming.

Strong arms engulfed me from behind in a warm hug,

"would you like us to change kitten?"

Alarik questioned kissing my shoulder.

Echo kneeled and took my hand kissing my wrist

"don't you like us the way we are?".

" if you desire so, we can be whatever you want!"

added Emrys taking my other hand kissing my fingertips.

"tell us what you crave"

asked Soran before kissing me. Blushing deeply I tried to recompose, clearing my throat

" I need you, want you, and crave you just the way you are!

Even if sometimes you act childish!".

I could sense their relief.

I faced the mirror and sight

"ok, now or never.

Take me to Hell my knights!".

Emrys stood in front of me, by my sides were Alarik and Echo, and on the back was Soran who chanted a spell that made the mirror foggy.

I didn't know what was on the verge of that path but I knew that they are here beside me.

We made just a few steps into the dim mirror...

I didn't know what to expect, but the scenery in front of us was magnificent.

An enormous Golden Gate with spectacular ornaments that were intricated along with the oozing flames and mystic inscriptions, stood there majestic.

Humble I approached the guards.

On the left was a gigantic creature. It seemed to have some human characteristics, but the head was...

"Taurus"

I whispered

"Yes, little prey?!"

the beast's response was quizzical.

His head tilted to see me better and that's when I notice a long pink scar extending from the left horn over the eye to the upper lip, giving him an awry grin.

But, even if I should, I wasn't scared.

The men near me were worried at my audacity.

" I suggest that you take a step back from the Minotaur.

He can snap your little neck like a twig!"

whispered the other guard.

Stepping back I looked at the hooded figure that spoke on my right.

Nearing he lowered the hood showing me his crimson eyes that had only a coal slit instead of the iris.

Black as darkness itself, with long razor-sharp fangs.

Realizing that I was staring at him I promptly affirmed

"I am aware of that.

However, I expect you to prevent that as I am headed to speak to Lucifer.".

" why you assume that?"

he asked.

Emrys and the others tried to stop me from reacting moreover, but stubborn as I was...

"Tell me, brave but foolish girl..."

he was nearing me.

"Aren't you Cerberus?!"

my question amused him.

" Yes, I am.

Very few people decipher that.

Follow me.

He is expecting you!!!".

And with that, he turns to the doors and lets us in.

"Welcome to Lust City!

Don't wander anywhere without one of your knights.

Unpleasant creatures lure from the shadows!!"

he warned seriously.

" We remember..."

murmured Soran.

"You were here frequently"

I asked him

"Yes, till twenty years ago."

Emrys added

"After the prophecy started to unlock our knight powers we were focusing more on the human realm trying to find you".

" I'm not judging guys!

Just asking!"

I replied the two looking worried.

" You truly are amazing!!"

Alarik declared with a grin.

I was glancing at the species around us. I reckon a lot of different demons, some vampires, a few werewolves, and even elves.

They were drinking, chatting, dancing...but most of them were f*****g.

Grunts and moans were coming from every corner!

I felt awkward and didn't know where to look anymore!!

"So...the minotaur and me didn't frighten you,

but orgies do?!".

" I'm so glad that I amuse you Cerby!"

I sarcastically reply.

Everyone looked terrified.

"hahaha, feisty little thing!!

You'll give a heart attack to these four!"

Cerberus said still walking.

Sensing a familiar power, I looked to my left to find a beautiful, succubus bending over a table. Behind her was a gorgeous creature trusting hard his member while slapping her ass.

I was ashamed to admit that the guy was enticing.

He seized me and winked. His release was accompanied by a power surge that I knew so well.

"Adad?!"

I enquired.

"Issa!

What a pleasure to see you!"

he took my hand kissing it.

"I...

How?!"

I didn't know what to say, or where to look because he stood there nude.

I blushed.

"You are still so naive...

watch out!

A lot of creatures would like to taste you!"

he bowed and turn around slapping lightly the succubus on her behind.

"That was..."

stated Soran

" awkward!"

I added.

"I was thinking weird...

but, yeah you are right too".

" Did you know that a thunderbird can shapeshift into human form?!"

I asked

"No. Without you, I wouldn't deduce who he was!"

Echo was still surprised.

We arrived near a mansion with a black door.

Instead of a handle, there were two massive rubies.

We stopped.

"What are you?!

You decipher so easily our whereabouts...

no human can do that!!"

Cerberus asked me.

"I'm..."

"Annissa Enya!

Long time no see!!

Welcome to one of my many homes!"

a handsome man was greeting me.

He was nearly 7' high, with clear blue eyes and raven, long hair.

I felt myself heating and the flames spurred around me

"The bright one,

beloved child,

bringer of light,

the fallen,

Lord of lust,

Hells keeper...

nice to see you Lucifer!".

" The Seer is awake, I see...".

"So you know what I came here for!".

" Come, sit...

Let's discuss...".

"She needs the gemstone and we are going our way...

no need to entertain us..."

Emrys said.

"Young one, don't be so impatient!!

I recall the many times you were here to be....entertained!!"

Lucifer said smirking.

"This is in the past. Now, we are only hers!"

Echo reacted.

"Mmmm... seems that it's one-way feeling because I can discern her purity"

he was now in front of me.

"Enough!!"

I roared.

"What do you want to give me the gemstone?!".

" Hell never had a pure, virgin soul...

I'm tempted...

So what about...

a kiss??".

"One kiss? Nothing else?

Not my virginity, my soul, or my firstborn?!"

I was skeptical.

"Yes, just one kiss!

The first I would be glad to take, but as far as I see you have four d***s ready to f**k you...

The second I can't take because you don't belong here...

And for the love of...I'm not Rumpelstinski!!"

Lucifer said rolling his eyes.

" So, I give you one kiss and you will give to me the gemstone I need??"

I asked again.

"Yes, piccola fiamma!!!(small flare).

I give you my word!!

" Deal"

as the words left my mouth, he scooped me in his embrace and kissed me.

His kiss was so gentle.

"Thank you.

You can take the ruby from my ring."

he said.

"No, I need the emerald from your necklace!"

I looked at him.

"You can't be deceived!

Take them both!

If you ever need me just whisper my name to the ruby!"

He was giving me his ring.

At that instant, I had a vision of a future

"Your mate is yet to be born.

You will recognize her for the Sun and the Moon resting on the wrist of the Star!".

" Thank you!!"

he clamored before disappearing.

We have headed to the main gate when a gorgeous, and very naked succubus moved toward us

"Emrys darling !!!!"

she lunged at him.

Grinding herself on his crotch while kissing frivolous and moaning loudly.

I felt my blood boiling.

"Who the f**k is that??"