SEDUCING HADES: Betraying the System (GL/LGBTQ)

"I'd give you Versalis, I'll make the other kingdoms bow before you," he whispered in her ear.

"Take your worthless promises to another naïve woman," she replied firmly.

His large hands wrapped around her neck and he pulled her closer to him.

"I'll make you mine, I promise."

The weight of the dried leaves I had used to form a blanket slowly decreased as winds from the Kriko mountain rushed down into the forest.

The smell of blood filled my nostrils and I looked down to find Trenton's caked blood smeared on my thighs.

The night had been rough. Trenton's gunshot had alerted his men and they kept hunting me till I found a way to mask my scent.

I sighed heavily as I kicked off the last bits of leaves on my body.

I had no idea where I was. Dinari was foreign to me and to find any help, I had to find my way back to town.

Following a cleared path, I managed to find my way out of the forests to the foot of the Kriko mountain.

There was a small river a few meteres away and I wasted no time in plunging my blood stained body into it.

The water felt cool and refreshing against my battered skin and I eased into the calm feeling.

"Celebrating our victory now, are we?" a familiar voice called from ashore.

I turned around to find Dassy standing at the bank of the river.

"I can't believe I murdered a man," I sighed heavily.

"You'll get used to it," she shrugged.

"No! What I did was wrong, and I'm certain karma is coming for me," I shook my head in disappointment.

"Would you have preferred to be raped and tortured by him instead?" Dassy asked with a raised brow.

"No," I murmured.

"Stop mourning the death of a lost soul and focus on reality. Trenton's death had caused chaos in the sorcerer's council."

"They've sent their best hunters after you," she announced.

"What?" I gasped. "After me? Why?"

"They want what you stole," she replied. "They are a few minutes away and I advice you quit lounging and head up the mountain as soon as possible."

"What's my next task?" I asked.

"Soon love...soon," Dassy said as her figure slowly faded.

I swam ashore and threw on Trenton's shirt. My wet hair was pulled into a tight bun and headed up the mountain.

The walk up the mountain was long and the path, treacherous.

The sun was shining brightly and the trees provided minimal shelter.

Tired and worn out, I stopped at the foot of a large Oak tree to catch my breath.

I ensured I was hidden just in case one of Trenton's men managed to track my scent.

The silence was overwhelming and the change in humidity indicated that the sun was about to set.

A defenceless human girl in the forest was like dangling meat in front of a hungry dog.

I needed to keep moving and at least make it to higher ground before darkness set in.

"Hold it right there!"

"What are you doing wandering alone in the forest?" An eagle interrogated as it flew down from one of the large trees and morphed into an old man.

"A shape shifter," I gasped.

"This is no place for a little girl. Where are you headed?" He asked as he observed me with keen eyes.

"To town," I replied.

"They don't take lightly to wanderers," he shook his head.

"Come, my friend lives close to town. She will give you a place to sleep."

"Thank you," I smiled. "I'm grateful for your kindness."

He introduced himself as Timothy; a 70 year old shifter that worked as a spy for the crown.

Unfortunately, after the Royal family was murdered, he had to seek refuge in the mountains.

I tried to ask more about the royal family but he was uninterested and preferred to talk about other things.

In no time, we arrived at a large gated compound in the outskirts of the town.

Upon spotting Timothy, a guard quickly opened the gate and led us into the house.

"Hello Timothy," a fat red haired woman greeted from the living room.

"Vivian, its good to see you," Timothy replied.

"I found her in the forest," he said pointing to me. "She has no family and is in search of work."

"What's your name, sweet girl?" Vivian asked as she assessed me with her eyes.

"Marcella, Ma'am," I replied.

"Marcella...you look oddly familiar," she said,squinting her eyes to observe me.

I felt a knot form in my stomach. The fear of being recognised overpowered me.

"What of your family?" She pressed on.

"I have none" I retorted.

"Good. I'll take her in," Lady Vivian said to Timothy.

Timothy bade us farewell and returned to the forest and I was now left at the mercy of Lady Vivian.

Her face twisted into a frown as soon as Timothy was out of sight.

"My rules are simple, you work, I feed you and give you a place to sleep. The money you earn determines how you will live," she said in a stern voice.

"Have I made myself clear, Marcella?"

"Yes..ma'am" I replied.

She nodded and signaled two servants to come forward.

"Search her," she commanded.

"Why? I have only the clothes on my back," I protested.

Vivian rose to her feet, her large frame towering over me.

"No voodoo or magic or any creepy bullshit is permitted," she huffed before snapping off the necklace on my neck and snatching the diamond of Solstice.

"That's mine," I yelled as I tried to take back the diamond but I was restrained by the servants.

"Give that back," I continued yelling.

Vivian snarled , barring her sharp yellow teeth. "Take her outside and get her cleaned up. The guests are on their way"...