A CROWN OF DIAMONDS AND DEATH

11. Welcome to Hellsgate

Azura was friendly and eager to get to know Rebel, proving she was more cheerful than the majority of the continent's residents.

"Hi. I'm Azura, Silas's third-in-command, but I will also be your guide of Hellsgate for today." Azura announced with a bright smile and extended her left hand out to shake.

"Uh, thanks." Hesitantly, Rebel took her hand and shook it. The majority of people in Sangrea didn't introduce themselves or care for strangers. When passing people through the streets, the most you could expect was a glance, and they would be on their way.

Or at least this is how things were under the previous king, Cyrus's rule. Then again, Rebel would safely bet things didn't change much, even with Salvatore now in charge.

"Mhm." Azura beamed, her eyes doing a once-over Rebel, "And, oh my, you're beautiful!"

"Thank you so much." Rebel smiled appreciatively. "And you're lovely with quite the stylish outfit too!" 

She figured it would be beneficial in making allies within the Hellsgate pack. Down the road, they could help her with an escape plan or keep Silas in check should she ever have any disagreements with him.

He was someone she'd have to watch closely. 

Breakfast with him had seemed to bring them to an understanding. And from that talk, she gathered that he was a man guided by morals and respect.

That was all okay in her book. As long as he didn't step on her toes, she wouldn't step on his.

Back to the stunning and bubbly woman in front of her. 

Azura had dark brown, almond-shaped eyes giving her a playfully feline look. Her black hair was short, cut in the bob style with bangs over her forehead that reached her brows. She had a lithe build, but was petite too. She was shorter than Rebel by what she guessed three inches. Her olive skin tone was gorgeous. Dark beauty moles marked her hands and arms in little specks here and there, like stars that mapped the sky.

She wore an olive green cropped top and white high palazzo pants that showed off her slim waist and were perfect for the sunny weather. She paired the outfit with white flat sandals and had a golden necklace with an enchanting pink diamond in the middle.

"Awh thanks, babe."

Azura started towards the staircase, and Rebel took this as her cue to follow. Soon enough, the two of them were on the bottom level of the structure. "Now, this massive mansion we're in right now is the Commons House. It's mostly used by Silas and his Inner Circle for meetings, but normally, all members of the pack and the nymphs and dryads that live in our community can use it as a space to relax and hang with friends from 8 am to 6 pm, then it's just Inner Circle members." Azura pushed open the doors, letting Rebel step out first.

As soon as Azura walked out of the Commons House, a passing breeze gently kissed her skin. She looked up at the sky, and it was sunny with some clouds for coverage. All signs were pointing towards a pleasant day.

They walked on the paved path, up the hill, and passed some businesses. Bakeries, craft shops, a clinic, an outdoor market, cafes, and a library among others. It seems like the people of Hellsgate had created a town of their own so they may have everything at their fingertips.

Noting Rebel looking at the buildings, Azura decided to explain. "Ah, we created a sort of miniature town since the first one with human nobles is about forty-five minutes away. We're a big community, too. About fifteen thousand, so it just makes things more convenient."

"Wow, that's a lot. Silas leads all of them?"

"Yeah, he's the Alpha! But the rest of his Inner Circle and I are here to help him. We also act in his place whenever he's called away by King Salvatore, which honestly, has been a lot more lately."