Mission: NYX || ONC2023 Shortlister

Chapter 7: Hell's Game

Lucinda continued humming her song as her fingers brushed Greyson's curly hair. She didn't want him to stay up until midnight, and she was glad he had fallen asleep before eleven. He kept trying to stay up by eating. Fortunately, he managed to finish most of what he took, and the leftovers she ate were minimal. Though whenever he asked to go back to the buffet table, he always asked for coffee jelly. She had to stop him before he would finish it all and not leave some for the other guests.

Once the party was over, she carried him out of the venue hall and into Lucia's car. Originally, they planned to head back to the DUO's apartment complexes. But now, Poseidon had told them all to meet her in the SCD's base.

"I'm inviting you to play a game, Weaver. Not the Underworld's game, but my game. Which means you play by my rules."

A part of her wanted to say she was infuriated. That hearing that from someone who might truly be one of the most dangerous people in the city made her blood boil.

But as she pressed a soft kiss on Greyson's forehead while he hugged her in his sleep, she was certain that what she was feeling was far from anger.

The sight of Poseidon's office gave her comfort. It was little comfort, but it was comfort nonetheless. Her office being underground and close to the bay's waters meant she had an underwater view everyday. And Lucinda had to admit; seeing sea creatures like fish and seawater dragons dancing around the reef did relax her tense shoulders a little bit.

As she sat down on one of the couches, Greyson shifted in her hold. He rubbed one of his eyes as they opened, and a tiny yawn left his lips. "Are we home?"

"Shh." She kissed his forehead again. "Just keep sleeping, sweetheart. We're not home yet, but you can keep sleeping."

His ears drooped down. "But I wanna lie down. Do we have more coffee jelly?"

"No." A soft chuckle left her lips. "Do you want to sleep on the couch? We can fix it to be more comfortable."

He nodded. "Okay."

In front of her, Lucian stood up from his own seat. "I think Sidon has a blanket somewhere. Let me look for it."

Lucinda grabbed one of the pillows, placing it near couch's arm so Greyson could lay his head there. Before he closed his eyes, she took off his grey coat and placed it on the couch's headrest. It took him a while, but Lucian managed to find a green blanket from one of Poseidon's drawers. She spread it out, letting it cover all of Greyson except for his head. His ears remained droopy, but he was able to close his eyes and sleep softly.

She sighed as she sat next to him, brushing his hair again. He was so peaceful and comfortable.

Lucian groaned as he stretched his arms. "I'm gonna make coffee. You want some?"

She shook her head. "I never drink coffee, you know that."

"Right, you weren't the coffee drinker."

Her ears twitched at the comment, and she shot him a blank stare, but Lucian didn't say anything else. He headed to Poseidon's coffee maker and started making one for himself. Soon, the drink's aroma filled the air. It was a welcoming change of pace compared to the artificial floral scent.

The doors to the office opened once again, making her turn her head there. Lucia first stepped inside, her face twisted into a scowl. Behind her, the head of the Special Connections Division and their handler followed. Poseidon's green ankle dress matched her eyes, and its large elbow-cut sleeves made her look more powerful than she already was. Even from the way her black hair flowed loosely made her fiercer.