The Life As The Devil's Son

Chapter Twenty-Four: Forsaken Memories

Just beyond the grand doors, Jack awaited, his head tilted in confusion as he assessed my uncharacteristic sense of happiness. His eyebrow arched, hinting at his annoyance. It was a reaction I had expected.

"What's got you in such a good mood?" Jack quipped.

I shot him a sly grin, enjoying the chance to provoke him. "Oh, you know, just basking in the glow of my father's approval. Something you wouldn't understand."

Jack rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed with my response. "Right, because that's a rare occurrence."

Ignoring his remark, I leaned in with a mischievous smirk. "Indeed, now there is something I want you to do for me."

"Since when are you in the position to make demands?" Jack asked while raising an eyebrow.

I couldn't help but revel in the moment as a sense of empowerment surged through me. "My father is allowing me to leave the Underworld, and I want to take my mother with me," I replied with a proud smile.

"What?" Jack balked, his voice rising. He wasted no time, forcefully pushing the throne room door open and questioning, "Why are you letting him go?"

Travis rolled his eyes and responded in a low voice, "It is only temporary. Lucion is coming, and I don't want him near my son." Travis's attempt at discretion didn't escape my ears; my enhanced hearing picked up on every word.

Unfazed by Travis's intentions, I walked through the doors, my curiosity piqued. "What is so dangerous about my uncle?" I inquired, determined to unravel the mystery.

"Trust me, you don't want to know. Now go," Travis muttered bitterly, dismissing my question.

"No, I won't leave until you release my mother," I protested, unwilling to compromise.

Travis sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Jack, release Malinda," he commanded, putting an end to the brewing confrontation.

"But..." Jack objected, though Travis silenced him with a wave of his hand.

"Don't argue, just do it," Travis ordered.

Jack stomped away through the doors as I trailed behind him. The clatter of our footsteps echoed through the corridor as we made our way to the dungeon.

As we reached my mother's cell, Jack produced a key, the metal clinking as he unlocked the door. The hinges creaked as the cell swung open, revealing my mother's hunched form. She looked up, eyes weary yet filled with a glimmer of hope as she gazed at me.

I rushed to her side, the sight of her shackled to the wall haunting my thoughts. Jack efficiently uncuffed her, the metal restraints falling away with a metallic jangle. My mother's limbs sagged slightly, and I called out to her before she could crumple to the floor. "Mom," I said, steadying her.

"What's going on?" She mumbled, squinting in confusion.

"Mom, we're free," I announced with a proud grin, trying to reassure her.

Jack, however, shook his head, his tone somber. "It's temporary. Don't get too comfortable."

As I held her up, she turned to me, her eyes narrowing in confusion. "I don't understand."

"I will explain once I get you out of here," I said as I gripped her shoulder.

Jack took the lead, guiding us through the dimly lit corridors until we reached the dark room with the shimmering green portal in the center. The air around it crackled with an otherworldly energy. Jack gestured towards the portal and spoke, "Go, I will come after you once we take care of Lucion."