Redemption

Chapter 26

Wiping the ash and soot on her knees, she got up, making her way to Acrux. She stumbled forward exhausted, arms enveloping her waist, a hand in her hair. Her face was in the crook of Acrux's shoulder.

"You made it," he said, breathing out in relief.

Azalea gave a muffled reply as she tried to get her bearings. Stiffing she extracted herself out of the embrace, her eyes narrowed at Acrux.

"Why are you hugging me? You just said I would put my king above you every single time. And now you decide to give me a hug. Are you that dense?"

"My mistake, I will ensure it never happens again. Let's go, my king is expecting you," he said coolly.

Wrapping her in shadows once more they shadow-jumped the throne room.

"You did not burn and receive an eternity of pain. Pity." Iram said, frowning.

"Sorry to disappoint you but I have promises to keep," Azalea replied.

"You did well, you are quite skilled. However, it would have been more amusing if you slipped," he said.

Waving his hand the mountain disappeared, leaving just an expanse of dark earth.

Eye twitching, Azalea said, "Was that not real."

"Do you think I need to throw someone in a volcano to start their punishment? I believe you forget who is before you, I expect that this experience will serve as a reminder." Iram said.

"A reminder for what exactly." she gritted out, her teeth grinding.

"You dare continue to question me, consider this your final warning. Here is a piece of advice, not that you will be alive to use it. When you strike a bargain with a God do not ask for more. However, since you did exceed my expectations,and quite frankly I thought you would fail. I will keep my word, and give you and your family passage to Caelum." The God of death stated.

Azalea's body relaxed, relief running through her veins.

"Since I am in such a generous mood I will let you see your parents."

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Acrux shifting his mouth pressed in a thin line.

Clearing her throat, "That will not be needed but it is appreciated."

"Are you scared to face them, to show them what you have become?" Iram tilted his head staring intently.

"Why should I be afraid, I did nothing wrong," she said, growing anxious.

Azalea did not want to see her parents but only wanted their punishment over, the least she could do. After her experience in Gehenna, she still believed her mother and father blamed her and did not want to confirm that.

"Then there isn't a problem then, you should not be concerned. Every parent wants their child to end up a killer for hire and end up killing their father's best friend." Iram said sarcastically.

Azalea tensed forgetting that small detail.

I just won't bring that up, how will they know he's dead anyways, not like they get major life updates about their daughter.

Smiling in delight, Iram said, "This is going to be quite amusing."