HELLHOUND (Book Two of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 20~Keys~

Phoebe

  I pushed my back further against the wall, waiting for the screaming patrons to pass by. Aaron peaked around the corner, signaling for us to move forward. We swiftly made our way up the stairs. I had to concentrate on not tripping over the shattered alabaster columns. 

   Aaron led us down a dark empty corridor, multiple rooms were at the end. He turned to address us. “This is as far as I can take you. The offices down the hall are where Gozredal holds his private viewings. I don’t know if Faedan is being held there.” I balanced against the wall as another explosion shook the compound.  

   “What about Yurah?” I asked, handing him the map of the property. Aaron studied it and pointed. “This is where Faedan and Yurah’s rooms are located. If they are not in these offices, they should be here.” he explained. I had to lean forward to hear him over the sound of the ceiling falling.

   “What if he’s not there?” Titus questioned. Aaron pursed his lips, “Then he escaped with Gozredal.” I prayed to the goddesses that he was still here. “If you plan on crossing over the portal, you need to remove the slave collars.” Aaron advised. “Why?” I asked, confused. “Because, the collars were meant to block your magic, but it's also meant to keep you in the Underworld.” he explained.

     I furrowed my brows, “What happens if you try to cross with one on?” “The portal will disintegrate your entire body.” Titus answered with a grim voice. I shivered; our plan would never work if we couldn’t get Faedan to the safety of Black Pines. Aaron gave me a hard push, moving me out of the way as a chunk of ceiling came crashing down. Titus caught me, giving Aaron a thankful nod.

     “Where are the keys?” Titus shouted. Aaron shook his head and lifted his arms. “I don’t know. Gozredal normally carries a set on him. I don't know if he has a spare.” Damn, if Gozredal was able to escape, we wouldn’t be able to help anyone; they’d be trapped in the Underworld forever.  

     “Thank you!” I yelled. Aaron gave me a firm nod and started to jog away. He stopped half way down the hall, giving me a small smile. “Good luck, Princess!” he shouted before disappearing. Titus gave me a weird look, I pretended not to see it. 

   We crept down the hall, stopping in front of the first door. Titus tried the knob. He gave me a quick nod before pushing the door open. He entered, swiftly clearing the room. We continued down, checking three more rooms with the same results. 

    Three more doors were left, I couldn’t help but feel anxious. We already spent too much time on this floor. There was one more bomb that was set to go off in fifteen minutes; we wouldn’t have enough time to search the servant quarters before the entire building came down. We decided to split up, each taking on a door. 

   I jiggled the handle; it was the first door we found that was locked. I moved to the side to let Titus break it down. He gave it a few kicks before it splinted off, revealing the small room inside. A frightened scream came from the corner of the bed.

  I slowly entered. “I mean you no harm. The building is collapsing and you need to evacuate as soon as possible.” I said, my voice calm. A woman who was exquisitely dressed cautiously stood up; her cheeks stained with tears. “I cannot leave. Not without Faedan.” her voice was wobbly and had a slight accent. 

    I let out a surprised gasp, “Yurah?!” Her tall frame was shaking, her face pale. “Yes?” I ran to her and grabbed her hands. “Yurah, I’m Phoebe, Faedan’s sister. We’ve come to free you.” Yurah started to cry as my words sunk in. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” she repeated in between sobs. 

    I tried to calm her, “Yurah, where is Faedan?” She cried harder, trying to speak; her words incoherent. “Yurah, slow down. Where is he?” I asked again. “PHOEBE!” Titus shouted from outside the room. I tugged on Yurah’s hands, following Titus’s voice. He stood in an open doorway, a decapitated body at his feet.

    I stepped over the man, my eyes scanning the dark room. I heard a low groan, my eyes snapping to the source. Someone was tied up to posts. They were bloodied, I could barely hear their heartbeat. I took a hesitant step forward, afraid to approach them. Yurah started screaming behind me, “Faedan! Faedan!” 

     Her cries were unintelligible as she collapsed. Titus caught her before she hit the ground, her thin arms reaching out to the man. My heart skipped a beat as I focused on him. “Faedan!” I yelled, running to him. I dropped to my knees, his blood seeping into my dress. I grabbed his swollen face, unable to see him clearly through my tears.

   “Faedan.” I sobbed. He opened a swollen eye, “Phoebe?” he croaked. I let out a loud wail, “Yes. I’m here for you.” He tried to smile, blood spilling from his lip. “I knew you’d never leave me.” he groaned out. I stood up, positioning myself behind him. I couldn’t control my emotions as I studied his mangled back. 

   “Oh, Faedan, what have they done to you?” I murmured, feeling lost. The stench of blood made it hard to concentrate, my senses were overloaded. “Phoebe! Get him down and let's move! We have seven minutes left!” Titus yelled from the door, Yurah limp in his arms. 

   I took a deep breath, wiping my eyes and ignoring the urge to vomit. I untied Faedan, his body leaning against the post. I panicked, trying to find a place to grab without hurting him. “I’m so sorry, Faedan.” I whispered before wrapping my hand around his back. He let out a blood curdling cry as I applied pressure to his torn flesh. I pulled his arm around my neck, using all of my strength to him from the floor. 

  He was surprisingly light for a male of his height. I held back my tears as his boney body pushed against me; he was in worse shape than I expected. My heart was breaking; I couldn’t help but think his body might not be able to survive the beating he received. He put all of his weight on me as we stumbled towards the door.

   Titus was taking long strides down the hall, passing the one closed door we didn’t check. “Fay, where’s Gozredal’s office?” “Very last door.” came his breathless reply. I continued down the hall, following Titus’s retreating form. My head was telling me to continue but my heart was telling to go back. I took another step and gave a frustrated sigh. 

    I leaned Faedan against the wall. “I’ll be right back; I have to go look for the collar keys.” I told him before sprinting as fast as I could. Of course, the door was f*****g locked. I looked around the hall, my eyes locking on a large concrete block. I bent down, lifting it up over my head. I slammed it down, breaking off the door handle. I tossed the block to the side, using my shoulder to push my way through the door. 

    I rushed to the massive oak desk covered in papers. I started searching the drawers for a set of keys. My movements were frantic, the clock on the desk reminding me that I had four minutes to get out the building. Where were those damned keys?! Out of frustration, I shoved everything off of the desk. I heard a jingle type sound as items fell to the floor. I walked around the desk and moved some papers to the side. 

    A small ring of keys glimmered from the ground. I cried out in relief as I scooped them up and headed to the door. I tripped over a gilded box that had fallen from the desk. It was padlocked, my gut clenched as my curiosity grew. I grabbed the box then ran towards Faedan.

      I lifted his arm around my neck and pulled him up. He gave a strangled yelp as I held his back. His breathing was shallow as we made our way down the stairs. We were almost to the door; the loud sound of glass breaking was deafening. The building started to shake as the bomb went off. I could hear the roof collapsing behind me. Gusts of wind and debris rushed at us as we limped out of the building.

Gozredal

  I paced back and forth with my hands on my head as I watched my villa’s walls cave in. I had made it to the main road, leading out of town. What the f**k was happening?! Decades of all of my work was gone in thirty minutes. 

   A pair of headlights shone brightly on the road. I waved my hands wildly, willing the vehicle to stop. The white Cadillac limo slowed; its windows blacked out.  I yanked open the backdoor and slid onto the black leather seats. The passenger was encased in darkness, only their white shoes were visible. I grunted my thanks, staring out the window. The limo drove at a leisurely pace, allowing me my last glimpses of my home.

   Who would do this? My legacy was gone, my precious slaves dead. I was struggling to hold in my fury. I rubbed the tattoo seal that wrapped around my left ring finger. This would’ve never happened if I had my magic to protect my empire. I sat in silence, reminiscing my past decisions.

     Everything in my life has been a complete disaster as since Calypso found me with another woman. I was warned not to get on her bad side but I ignored the advice. I had betrayed her, she punished me by sealing my powers for my infidelity. It was like she stole my joy and will to live. For years I tried to fill the void in my heart. 

     I started to collect people in order to attract her attention, hoping she would take me back. It was her fault that I turned out like this. I had changed who I was for her! I became a ruthless businessman and instead of being impressed she had looked the other way. She was the reason why I was defenseless. 

    There was no doubt in my mind that she had something to do with this. Once I finished rebuilding, I’ll make sure to put an end to her. I leaned back in my seat, I was disgusted with myself; I hated and loved her equally. I was going to f**k her then slit her throat. I smiled at my new plan. I peeled my gaze away from the window to study my new companion.

    They leaned forward, revealing their face. My heart fluttered with fear and longing. “What’s wrong, Gozredal? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” her thick accent cascaded through the cabin.  “Calypso. I knew you would be a part of my downfall. Are you proud of your work?” I sneered, pointing to my shattered home.

    She let out a deep laugh that made my member harden. f**k, how could she still affect me like this?! “You are sorely mistaken, lover. I had nothing to do with that.” I clenched my hands at my old pet name. “Then why are you here?” I demanded. A wide smile stretched across her face; her teeth blindingly white.

   “I’ve come to collect.” she said. I scoffed, “The fire nymph is dead. There is nothing here for you.” She continued to smile; an eerie feeling settled in my stomach. “She is not the one I’ve come for.” Sweat pooled on my forehead. “Then who are you here for?” I asked coolly, trying not to show my fear.

    She chuckled, “I’ve been hearing some strange things lately.” “Like what?” I asked, my heart thundering in my chest. “Mentions of a fallen god wanting war.” she stated, her smile disappearing. I gulped, “Strange indeed.” “I’ve also heard rumors of someone plotting my demise. You wouldn’t know who is saying such things, would you?” Sweat droplets ran down my face as I shook my head.

   Her smile returned, the air around me became colder. It was getting harder to concentrate. My face was numb and I could see my breath as I started to shiver. Her long arm reached over, hovering above my heart. “C-Calypso, please. I love you.” I stammered. “And I loved you. but like I said, I’ve come to collect.” she whispered. 

   She dug her fingers into my chest, pushing past my ribs to wrap herself around my heart. Her hand was warm, the void she left me with finally full. I stared into her dark eyes, Her smile hypnotizing. I closed my eyes as her hand crushed my heart.