The God & The Shadow

Chapter 28

LORE
(This chapter contains a scene of which a character intentionally inflicts pain on people through the use of possibly disturbing methods. Please be advised.)

"So, what does the Underworld look like?"

Elvira's friend, Warner or Wayne, whatever his name was, had been asking me stupid and unnecessary questions for the past hour.

I hadn't replied to any, except for the question 'Do you want me to shut up?', to which I immediately answered yes.

He didn't. If anything, he became more loquacious and irritating. Just like Hermes, I thought. They would get along well if he were here.

The god had invited me to duel with him at a field he'd discovered not too far out from the castle yesterday morning, the reason of our absence. As soon as we came back, the two princes prodded us with the news of the angels' arrival to the Fifth Realm and the burnt village.

It had crossed my mind several times that the angels wanted us to go here, their letter in foreign tongue as bait. They could be strong allies of the Kottran King, opposing us in the fae war.

"If I die right now, will I go down to the Underworld?" He asked once more.

"Do you wish to test that theory, warlock?"

He coughed uncontrollably, causing the others to turn to him with concern. He waved them off and swallowed a few times, containing himself.

It was finally quiet. The sun shined above us and we were deep in the forest. We were no longer in the kingdom's enchanted territories, so we had our powers back not too long ago.

I turned to my left to look at Elvira sleeping on the horse. Her head rested on Cassian's shoulder who was watching her warily.

I rolled my eyes at the sight of it. It should've been me she was leaning on, not the man with a husband back at home. I know she had no inclinations with the Prince, and nor did he, but it still made me mad.

No. It was not jealousy. I never feel that and I have no reason to do so. But, it should've been the talkative warlock with him and the silent assassin with me.

We continued trekking through the forest. Animals from a distance roared at one point, causing the rest of the animals that resided deep in the forest to run and cause a ruckus in their wake.

And even then, the assassin remained asleep. She simply shifted in her position and buried her face deeper into the nook of Cassian's shoulder.

The things I would do to him if he were not my ally would make the strongest mountains crumble and the greatest warriors cower.

"You alright, man?" The warlock asked from behind.

I dropped my grip on the leather reins, watching it slowly disintegrate from the memory of my hold on it. I quickly removed my leather glove and touched it to fix it, the leather mending on its own.

Someone scoffed to my left. I stared at the angel as he kept his eyes fixed on the path, ignoring me.

"Problem?" I queried.

"Nice party trick, god."

I laughed. His pathetic attempt insult came out as a compliment. Does anyone truly think calling someone a god would offend anyone?