Crimson Nightmares Book Two: Hell's Approval

Chapter Six

"What are drugs?" Lucifer asked.

"I will tell you about drugs when you are older, too."

"Okay, but when will I be older?" He asked with a pout.

"Very soon."

I leaned over and kissed his forehead. "I love you, Lucifer."

"Can I tell him Momma?" Beelzebub asked.

"How do you know?"

"Your mind tells me. I know that Gerald was very dear to you. More then dada to."

I smiled a sad smile, "Well, it's hard to let go of people we love. Gerald was special to me, yes. But he wont join me for a while so I have tried to move on. I hope he found someone else to love." I stroked Beelzebub's hair gently, my heart aching a little.

"But dont you want him to be here with you?"

"Yes, but..." I paused, searching for the right words. "When you die and you go to hell the people you met when you were alive seem so far away. It feel like they are living in a different domination. I want him to be here with me but I don't want him to die."

I looked at Lucifer, his black eyes full of curiosity and understanding. "You were born into hell, you'll never know what it's like to be apart from someone you love. And that's why I'm glad you're here. You're my light in the darkness. You're my reason to keep going."

I kissed both of them on the head, feeling the weight of my words and the heaviness in my chest. "Yes, you are both my light. And I hope that one day, when it's your time to go, you'll find someone else to love and make your own family." Lucifer and Beelzebub started to fall asleep in my arms, their breath warm against my neck. I held them close, savoring the feeling of their small bodies pressed against mine.

As the hours passed, the sun began to rise outside, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. I carried them upstairs to their bedroom and tucked them in, kissing each of them softly on the forehead. Once they were settled, I made my way back downstairs, my steps slow and thoughtful. The castle was quiet, the servants still asleep in their rooms. I found myself drawn to the window, staring out at the landscape beyond the castle walls.

The dark city always looked like it was covered in a sheet of blood. Hell was the most beautiful on a winter morning.

The wind was cold and biting, making the air feel heavy. I could smell the smoke from the forges, the stench of burning flesh, and the sweet scent of death that permeated everything. I took a deep breath, feeling the life force seep into my lungs, filling me with a strange mix of energy and melancholy.

I left a note on the door that red 'I am going for a walk to meet a friend. Thanks Lily.' Lily would check in about ten minutes as she always did . I left the castle, the gates swinging open on their own as if they knew where I was going. The city was still sleeping, the streets empty and quiet. The few souls that did venture out did so with their heads down, trying not to attract any unwanted attention.

I made my way through the winding alleys, my footsteps echoing against the stone walls. The sky was beginning to lighten, the stars fading into oblivion. I came to a small, hidden bar that I hadn't visited in years. The bartender, a demon named Zagan, looked up as I entered. His eyes widened in recognition. He smiled and poured a drink and handed it to me. "It has been a while, Eliz!"

"Too long," I said, taking a sip of the wine. "I had my children and the 'king of hell' didn't want me to drink."

Zagan chuckled and wiped a hand across his scaled chin. "Well, I'm glad you're here. It's been far too quiet without you." He refilled my glass, then poured himself a drink. "So, what brings you here today, Eliz?"