The Diabolical

Labyrinth

Calypso’s PoV

I’ve been wandering these dark and humid hallways for almost an hour now. I should have to ask Gisele to accompany me here. At least it gets to talk to someone. Why did Prince Kian tell me to find the entrance to the labyrinth? Why didn’t he order the knights to do so?

Perhaps- is Rose hiding something in the labyrinth? If so, why didn’t they know the entrance to it themselves? The Hawthorne family has been around for hundreds of years. It won’t be that weird to see a monster lurking in this hallway.

“Oh- I haven’t been to this section yet,” I said to no one. With the little light I have, I look for something that could tell me the whereabouts of the labyrinth entrance, but it seems the walls and floor have nothing that could help me find it.

“Oh- what a beautiful butterfly.” Wait- butterfly? There shouldn’t be any living creature in these dark hallways unless there’s a secret entranceway. I’ve heard stories about the labyrinth underneath Goterra’s royal palace, but I treated it as baseless rumors.

“Little butterfly, why don’t you tell me where I should go? I don’t think wandering around will help me find what I’ve been looking for.” The butterfly flies around me before going further into the dark hallways.

It seems the little insect is telling me to follow it. Should I, though? If I lost my way in this place, no one could ever find me, and I would be a living legend in this labyrinth. I want to enjoy my life first, though.

Well, what the heck. You only live once. I followed the butterfly further into the dark hallways until I came across an open space, which led me to five other hallways. Now what?

I search for the butterfly, but it’s nowhere to be found. I guess I’m going to die here now. But hold on- that pedestal wasn’t there before. And what is that stone tablet? I stood in my place just listening to any sound and wondering if I should touch the tablet on the pedestal.

My mind told me to keep my hands to myself, but I wanted to see the damn rock up close. I sighed before taking the odds by touching the tablet. Luckily I did learn some ancient language and what was written on the stone tablet shocked me.

“She who possessed raven hair and dark orbs that resemblance the darkness of abyss shall be the protector of humans against dark powers. The child born and abandoned shall possess the power of a demon.” Eh- a demon? Gisele fit the description, though. Wait- what does this mean?

“How did you manage to enter the labyrinth?” I was shocked when I heard a female voice emerge from the darkness. I turned around to see the owner of that voice, but it seemed my mind was playing tricks on me.

“Who are you?” What is going on?! I can’t see anyone, but I can hear its voice.

“You’re not related to the royal family. We’re you sent here by Rose Hawthorne? Did that woman finally find my descendent?” Huh? What is going on?! Am I going crazy? Is that it? Am I finally losing my mind?

“Are you my descendent? But I can’t sense any of my powers within your soul. You’re not related to me. Who are you, and how did you manage to get into this place?” A woman suddenly appeared in front of me that made me rub my eyes a couple of times.

“Gisele?!” The woman seems to be reacted to that name.

“Gisele? Is that the name of my descendent? I was told that the child resembled me. Even though I gave birth to her, I didn’t have the opportunity to hold my child in my arms the moment she was born. That human took her away from me, but he died in the end and abandoned my child in the middle of the forest. I’ve been waiting for her, and now here you are. Where is my descendent?” This woman- this woman is not human!

Where is the white of her eyes? Are that fangs in her mouth?! And why does she looks dead? And why does she looks exactly like Gisele? If that’s the case, is this woman who gave birth to Gisele? But she’s a demon! A demon who is trapped inside the labyrinth of Goterra’s royal palace!

“Who are you?“ I asked when I finally managed to gather my strength.

“My name is Rona.” Rona? Where did I hear that name before? Why does it sound so familiar?

“I’ve been living in this labyrinth waiting for my descendent for many years. I don’t know the exact amount, but it has been a while. Rose’s ancestor placed that tablet to keep me in the labyrinth. But it seems you’ve taken it out from its original place and released me from my prison.” What have I done?

“Who was the father of your descendent?” Rona paced around the pedestal and said,

“His name was Luther. He was a farmer that caught my attention. Luther is the first human who didn’t run away after seeing me in my original form. Perhaps that is why I decided to fall for a human-like him.” I could sense something was not right whenever he mentioned her lover.

“Did your lover betray you?” Rona nodded her head.

“The man I love took my child away when she was born. I need my descendent to continue my legacy. Even though the child is half-human, she is still my child, and my power runs in her veins.” Why would a demon need her descendent?

“Why? Because you want to take over the world? Do you think your descendent will listen to you after years of hardship?” Rona chuckled.

“What’s the point of taking over this dying world? I rather go back to the underworld and let my father punish me for eternity than take care of this pathetic world. I want to preserve my legacy. And my descendent will be the one who continues my bloodline.” Well, that explains Gisele's immeasurable strength.

If Gisele is half human and half demon- that means Gisele hasn’t awakened her powers yet. I need to find the empress and the prince. They need to decide if we should let this demon meet Gisele or not.

MEANWHILE,

After meeting the empress, I decided to have tea in the garden alone. What I’ve witnessed in the labyrinth is something I never thought I would go through. While I was enjoying my time alone, I couldn’t help but notice the presence of someone hiding in a bush not far from where I was.

“Whoever you are, it’s too easy for me to detect your presence. It would be best if you fixed your ways of hiding yourself. At this point, I am embarrassed for you.” Gisele finally showed herself before taking a seat at the table with me.

“How? Even the prince couldn’t sense my presence when I follow him around.” Huh? Why would you follow the prince around in the first place? Isn’t that a little odd?

“It wasn’t that hard to know someone is following you. I’m a woman who lives a dangerous life. People try to kill me every waking moment. You thought I would keep my guard down even though I’m in the palace?” Gisele hummed.

“Fair enough. I heard you went into the labyrinth and found my birth mother. Why didn’t you say anything about that first? Aren’t you curious?” I’m guessing the empress had informed her about my find.

“It’s not my place,” I said while drinking my tea. Why does it taste bitter for some reason?

“Really? I thought you’re the type who likes to know everything about someone.” I smiled before placing my cup down.

“I may be someone who acts like a thug and sells people’s private information for a living. But that doesn’t mean I can’t respect those who need to be respected. I’m not that evil. If you want to talk to me, I will listen to you, but if you choose to keep it to yourself, you shouldn’t force yourself to talk. I expect others to do the same for me too. But it’s hard to change someone’s mind over things.” I smiled.

“The empress decided to disperse the elders and created a new lineup of talented people and named them the council. I heArd that you’re a proud first member of the council- congratulation is in order.” I chuckled.

“I should congratulate you too for cutting. From the looks of your face, the empress didn’t say anything about you being a member of the council.” Gisele sighed before pinching the bridge of her nose.

“If this continues, I don’t think I can survive living here. What will the others say when they know that I am half-demon?” I shrugged.

“They will keep their thoughts to themselves and follow what the empress says. After all, her orders are absolute, and no one can say otherwise. Would you like a cup of tea?” Gisele waved her handoff.

“I have some other things to do.” Oh-

“Then why are you here?” I asked.

“Because I saw you walking here alone, and I thought you would want some company.” I laughed.

“I wish to be alone for a reason, but thank you for the concerns.” I smiled at Gisele, but her eyes seemed on another part of my body. I teased her by touching my breast and laughed at how she reacted.

“Don’t do that! I’ve been meaning to ask. Don’t you think your dress is too exposed? You’re not at the House of Beauty at the moment.” I giggled.

“I’ve used to wear this, so wearing other styles would make me uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter if I am not in House of Beauty. Men and women will continue to undress me with their eyes and wish they could make me give them the best service they could imagine.“ Gisele hummed.

“How many men had you slept with?” Oh- why would Gisele ask such a question?

“Two. There’s no need for me to tell you about my clients’ identity.” Gisele looks at me in disbelief.

“You’re joking with me right now. There’s no way you slept with only two guys.” I sighed.

“Look, I’m a high-class courtesan. We do not spread our legs just for anyone. We choose wisely, and we will only agree to thru terms if we could have an equal benefit.” Gisele leaned back.

“Have you given oral s*x?” I nodded. There’s no need for me to keep what I’ve been doing from her.

“Aren’t you afraid of any venereal disease?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t we be afraid?” Gisele seems confused.

“But you- you know, forget it. I’m afraid I won’t be able to process that.” I chuckled before reaching for some snacks that go well with tea.

“We have the best doctors in House of Beauty to ensure our clients don’t spread disease to any of us.” Gisele grabbed her sword and said,

“I think I need to go now. Also, your chest seems a bit more welcoming than the owners. Perhaps you should learn to smile properly.” What the hell is she talking about?

“Admit it, Gisele. You want to touch them. But you see, my service isn’t cheap. If you don’t have the money for me to pleasure you, why not do something more productive?” Gisele smiled.

“I’m preparing the knights for the upcoming war. It is not a crime for me to admire an exclusive courtesan such as yourself.” I leaned forward towards the table.

“Do you like women?” Gisele nodded.

“Why would you like women?” I asked since I am curious.

“Because I like women? Why? Is it a crime to pursue love?” I shake my head no.

“I’m sorry if my question seems rude.” Gisele smiled back.

“It’s alright. I understand.”