Her Demonic Allure

20

Kikimora essentially had no option, but to bring us to her realm. We had to travel back to Vegas to use the portal to Hel. I was a little nervous to enter that scary world, but Nyx gripped my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. I also noticed that Acacia appeared terrified. Zena rubbed her back and gave her a smile.

"Welcome, to my humble abode!" Kikimora announced.

Kikimora bowed and gestured to the fiery pit of despair. My jaw dropped at seeing the helpless souls. They were in pain since some were starving, others were drowning, and then some suffocated. What they all had in common was the pain they were experiencing. Every sound appeared to be begging for a mercy that would never come.

"I guess if you're into torture." Acacia sarcastically stated.

"My favorite activity." Kikimora smirked at Acacia. "Now, let's find your friends." She walked down a slippery path.

I held Nyx's hand as we walked down the slippery path. The ground had a slimy moss covering the walkway. The air also had an acidic smell that nearly made me gag. Nyx could sense my discomfort, so she handed me a small handkerchief to cover my nose. I pecked her lips in thanks.

"Where are we even going?" I glanced around at the dystopian world.

"See that giant mansion over there." Kikimora pointed at a massive mansion in the distance. "That's our destination." She chuckled.

"And how do we get to said destination?" Acacia gestured at the massive pit below us. "The castle is floating in the air. Maybe you guys can fly there, but we certainly cannot." She gestured between Zena and herself.

"Ever studied Greek mythology?" Kikimora leaned against the cave wall. "We have a ferryman." She smirked and led us to a man wearing a grey cape. "Chiron." He looked up and bowed at Kikimora. "Take us to the estate."

Chiron moved aside and allowed us to enter the boat. Chiron began to move the boat, allowing it to float over the realm. I was terrified of the fire burning me, so Nyx had me sit in the middle while she took the end. I ignored the screams of the souls, which sent a blood curling chill up my spine. The heat here was also unbearably hot and uncomfortable. I could feel myself sweating, but I didn't know if that was from the temperature or my fear. There were lost materialistic possessions floating past us, but I was more focused on the souls burning from the fire balls.

"Everything here feels like despair." I commented.

"Now you know why I needed a break." Kikimora winked at me. "It was getting mundane and boring, so I journeyed to a different realm."

"Why are we going to your house?" Nyx narrowed her eyes.

"Because I want to introduce you to my parents, of course." Kikimora laughed when our eyes widened. "Why else do you think I was bringing you guys' home?"

"You better not double cross us." Nyx grabbed Kikimora's arm and burned her. Kikimora didn't seem fazed by the fiery attack. Nyx and I were both surprised when Kikimora didn't flinch. In fact, she smirked.

"I'll have you know that an alliance is mutually beneficial for us." Kikimora then shoved Nyx away from her.

"Are you their only daughter?" Zena questioned.

"The only one that matters." She smirked and looked forward.

"I thought you said this was a place of otherworldly pleasure." Zena leaned against the side of the boat.

"It is... if you find the demise of other's pleasurable." Kikimora smirked over her shoulder.

I don't know if Kikimora said that to terrify us, but it was working. I started shaking, so Nyx draped an arm around me. I nuzzled my face into her neck to try and tune out the howling of the souls. Nyx appeared fine as she gazed around the realm. I wonder if she's been here before?