The God & The Shadow

Chapter 12

VERONICA

Florens and I trudged up the hill to the house on top of it. True to her word, we arrived in a few minutes, the castle looming behind us as I entered her home.

The house was built just like any suburban home in the mortal realm, but the furnishings were similar to that of Lore's. Except her's were simpler, with a feminine touch to it.

I walked around the living room that was connected to the kitchen. I peered up at the stairs to what I assume would lead to the bedrooms, noting the photo frames nailed on the wall that were empty.

Florens returned from the kitchen, carrying a tray of glasses filled with water and plates of fruits. She invited me to sit down with her in front of the fireplace, plucking the strawberry from the plate she handed me.

"So, I was thinking we'd play this game Hermes always played with some of the souls. It's called 'The Fact Bargainer', basically where you tell me one fact about yourself and I'd tell you one about myself." She posed.

"Sure." Silently marveling at the fact Hermes made an effort to be with the souls, I started thinking about what to share.

"Hm, well, I'm an assassin. I've been an assassin for six years now, but I started my training ten years ago."

"Nice. I once drugged Lore's and Hermes' food for them to do whatever I wanted for a day. Lore easily broke out of his trance before I could even make him do anything, but Hermes became my personal assistant for a day."

We both laughed at that as we continued playing the game. She continued telling me stories about the Underworld as I told her about my Midas Unit, the bargain with Lore that saved my life and gave me my silver scar, and the mystery about my other half.

I also told her about the telepathic bond Lore and I shared, which she relented at.

"I've never heard of it, but it's possible there's something written about it in the old texts. Perhaps it's worth finding. I've been spending a lot of time in the library lately trying to find a match for the writing on the letter at the museum, but it's no use so far."

We both gave pause for a while, the crackling of fire filling the air. Despite my exhaustion, I did not want the night to end, yet.

"Why is there a Hell if there is an Underworld? I've never really understood that." I ask, trying to prolong our conversation.

Florens, noting my desperate effort to change subject, explained, "Hades and Samael had complications of course as to where the souls that deserved eternal condemnation would reside. They agreed that those who deserved the highest form of punishment would go to Tartarus in the Underworld, while the rest would be at Samuel's mercy."

I nodded my understanding. Silence filled the room once more, the lack of conversation haunting.

Suddenly Florens turned her head to me, then conjured up a bottle of whiskey to her hands.

She slightly shook the bottle, a question if I were up to it.

I gave her a smirk, drinking the rest of the water from my glass, then handing it to her as she opened the bottle.

The night is still young. Might as well enjoy it, right?

《♤》